In a celebration of international cultural heritage, President Sergio Mattarella of Italy today inaugurated the much-anticipated “Treasures of the Pharaohs” exhibition at the prestigious Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome.
The opening ceremony was attended by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, Egyptian Ambassador to Italy, Bassam Rady, and numerous senior officials, museum directors, and leading cultural personalities.
The event attracted extensive media attention from international news agencies, television networks, and major newspapers, underscoring the global fascination with Ancient Egypt and the enduring appreciation for its contributions to world civilisation.
Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), Mohamed Ismail Khaled, expressed deep gratitude for the fruitful cooperation between the SCA and the Scuderie del Quirinale under the guidance of Tarek El Awady, who oversaw the exhibition’s curation.
He emphasised that the exhibition is the result of years of collaborative effort, and highlighted the selection of 130 rare artifacts — not only for their beauty, but for their power to represent the very essence of ancient Egypt, a land where art, faith, and life were inseparable.
“This exhibition is not a reconstruction of the past, but a living dialogue with it,” Khaled shared in his opening remarks. “Statues, masks, and papyri were crafted to defy oblivion. Each piece carries an immortal message: that existence itself can be preserved through care, knowledge, and art.”
He noted that bringing these priceless treasures to Rome is a gift of cultural sharing and connection, expressing hope that visitors would feel the same awe and wonder that archaeologists experience upon discovering a statue from 3,000 years ago. “This feeling, which transcends history, is what unites us today,” he concluded.
Following the opening ceremony, President Mattarella, Minister Fathy, and Minister Giuli toured the exhibition’s halls, guided by SCA Secretary General Khaled and Director of the Egyptian Museum in Turin, Christian Greco, Director of the Egyptian Museum in Turin.
They explored highlights of the collection, learning about the artistry and spiritual legacy embodied in each object, inspiring appreciation for the depth and grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation.
The exhibition will open its doors to the public on October 24 and run until May 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the wonders of Egypt’s ancient civilisation and explore its timeless masterpieces.
The streets, squares, and metro stations of Rome have been beautifully adorned with the image of Queen Ahhotep, reflecting the deep fascination and enthusiasm of the Italian people for ancient Egypt.
Anticipation is high for the exhibition’s opening, especially given its location in one of Italy’s most esteemed cultural venues.
“Treasures of the Pharaohs” is now recognised as the second largest Egyptian antiquities exhibition ever held in Italy, following the renowned show at Palazzo Grassi in Venice (2002–2003), which focused on the role of kings during Egypt’s New Kingdom.
The exhibition’s organisers said that the remarkable public interest testifies to the special place Egypt’s civilisation holds in Italian hearts — noting that 40,000 tickets were sold even before the official opening.
Organisers anticipate welcoming between 5,000 and 6,000 visitors each day throughout the exhibition’s duration.
