Pharaohs’ Treasures Exhibition to Open in Rome Following Egypt-Italy Cooperation Agreement

As part of strengthening cultural ties between Egypt and Italy—particularly in the field of archaeology—Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Mr. Fabio Taliaferri, Chairman of ALES (Ministry of Culture, Italy), have signed a cooperation agreement to organize the temporary exhibition “Pharaohs’ Treasures”, set to open on October 24, 2025, at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Italian Ambassador to Cairo, Michele Quaroni; Dr. Moamen Othman, Head of the Museums Sector in Egypt; Simone Todorov de San Giorgio, Executive Director of Mondo Mostre; and Matteo Lafranconi, Director of Scuderie del Quirinale.

Dr. Khaled emphasized the significance of this cultural collaboration, praising the longstanding ties between Egypt and Italy. He noted that the exhibition serves as a cultural gateway that highlights the richness of ancient Egyptian civilization and strengthens global appreciation for human heritage.

“Pharaohs’ Treasures” will be the second largest Egyptian exhibition ever held in Italy, featuring 130 carefully selected artifacts from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and the Museum of Art in Luxor. The display will explore themes including kingship, the royal court, religious beliefs, daily life, funerary rituals, and the afterlife. The exhibition will run until May 2026, offering Italian and international visitors an extended opportunity to experience the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

Among the highlights are artifacts being displayed in Italy for the first time, such as:

• The golden coffin of Queen Iahhotep, a masterpiece of New Kingdom funerary art.

• The funerary mask of King Amenemope, symbolizing divine kingship and eternal life.

• The Triad of King Menkaure, a monumental Old Kingdom statue representing the king flanked by deities Hathor and the local god of Thebes.

• The golden coffin of Tuya, grandmother of Akhenaten, adorned with hieroglyphs narrating her journey to the afterlife.

• The legendary Golden Fly Necklace of Queen Ahmose Nefertari, an ancient military honor awarded to Egypt’s bravest warriors.

The exhibition will also delve into ancient Egyptian society, divine kingship, craftsmanship, and recent archaeological discoveries. From imposing statues of Ramses VI and Thutmose III to intricate royal jewelry and daily tools, the showcase reveals the artistic, spiritual, and historical brilliance of one of the world’s most captivating civilizations.

A special section will highlight the “Lost Golden City”, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in recent years. Excavations revealed a large residential complex from the reign of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten, offering unparalleled insights into the daily lives of artisans and their families.