Pharaohs’ Treasures Exhibition Born from Italy–Egypt Cultural Diplomacy

The idea for the Pharaohs’ Treasures exhibition was born around two and a half years ago following a meeting between Tommaso Radice, President of MondoMostre, and Italy’s then ambassador to Cairo, Michele Quaroni. During discussions on major cultural projects, Radice emphasized that Italy, alongside Egypt, China, Greece and a handful of other countries, represents a global cultural superpower.

That conversation sparked a simple but ambitious question: why not bring a major exhibition on the pharaohs to Italy? From that moment, the project began to take shape.

The primary objective, Radice explained, was to create an exhibition worthy of the Quirinal Stables, widely regarded as Italy’s most important exhibition venue. It also aimed to mark a historic return of large-scale Egyptian exhibitions to Italy, more than two decades after the last major show held at Palazzo Grassi in 2002. While not attempting to present the entirety of ancient Egyptian civilization, the exhibition was designed as an educational introduction, spanning a significant portion of Egypt’s vast 3,000-year history.

From a production standpoint, Pharaohs’ Treasures posed unique challenges. Many of the artefacts on display date back two, three, four or even five thousand years, with several being extremely fragile. Wooden objects, in particular, required highly controlled environments, with strict regulation of temperature and humidity to ensure their preservation.

Despite these challenges, Radice noted that the conceptual structure of the exhibition follows the same principles as other major international shows. What set it apart was the depth of collaboration with Egyptian specialists in Cairo, who carried out extensive verification, conservation and preparation work. Egyptian conservators continue to work closely with the exhibition team, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care throughout its duration.

Key partnerships were essential to the project’s success. Radice highlighted the critical role played by the Italian Embassy in Cairo during the early stages, as well as the cooperation of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Trust was built with leading Egyptian figures, including Zahi Hawass, who supervised the exhibition catalogue and editorial content, Mohamed Ismail, and Tarek El Awady, who oversaw the exhibition’s management.

Logistics represented one of the most sensitive aspects of the project. Transporting irreplaceable artefacts required specialized crates, reinforced packaging and conservation measures, all of which were implemented in Cairo before shipment. The exhibition team continues to prioritize security, emphasizing that the loss of any artefact would be irreparable.

Having organized more than 200 exhibitions worldwide, MondoMostre believes Pharaohs’ Treasures appeals to a broader audience than many traditional art exhibitions. The show attracts families, young visitors and large numbers of school groups, supported by a strong educational component. According to Radice, the enduring fascination with the pharaohs lies in their unique blend of history, myth, legend and popular imagination.

Looking ahead, Radice confirmed future projects involving Egypt and the Mediterranean. The next major exhibition planned for Rome will focus on the Fayum portraits, featuring works from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and regional museums. Italy will also restore the renowned Portrait of the Two Brothers ahead of its display at the Ara Pacis Museum. Additional projects for 2027–2028 are under consideration, though they remain at an early planning stage.