In a vibrant step towards showcasing Egypt’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage, Mohammed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), visited Tokyo to oversee the preparations for the arrival of the “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs” exhibition.
Set to open on March 8 at the Crevia Base Exhibition Hall, this much-anticipated event will run until September, marking the sixth stop in its international tour.
The exhibition arrives in Tokyo following its acclaimed showing in Cologne, Germany, which concluded earlier this month.
Khaled’s visit focused on assessing the readiness of the exhibition space, ensuring optimal lighting, advanced security systems, and precautionary measures to guarantee the safety of the artifacts. His inspection aimed at ensuring the exhibition is prepared to leave a lasting impression on visitors while prioritising the preservation of Egypt’s invaluable cultural heritage.
On the sidelines of this visit, a major press conference was held to celebrate the upcoming exhibition’s arrival and share details about the final stages of preparation.
The conference was attended by approximately 200 members of Japan’s leading media outlets, alongside special guest Ms. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo. She expressed her enthusiasm for hosting this extraordinary exhibition.
“We are delighted to welcome the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition to Tokyo. The passion of the Japanese people for ancient Egyptian history and culture is unparalleled,” she said
“We anticipate this exhibition will draw visitors from across the nation and offer a unique opportunity to marvel at the legacy of one of history’s greatest civilisations,” she added.
Yuriko highlighted that the exhibition’s timing aligns with the 35th anniversary of the twinning agreement between the governorates of Cairo and Tokyo.
During the press conference, Khaled underscored the pivotal role of the SCA in preserving Egypt’s heritage through extensive excavation, restoration, and maintenance initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of international exhibitions like this in promoting Egypt’s cultural tourism.
He shared insights about other Egyptian archaeological exhibitions currently captivating audiences worldwide, such as the “Summit of the Pyramid – The Civilisation of Ancient Egypt” in Shanghai, which has already welcomed over 1.3 million visitors. He also announced plans for Italy to host a temporary Egyptian exhibition later this year.
Speaking about the success of the Ramses exhibition, he revealed that since its launch in Houston, USA, in 2021, the travelling showcase has grossed an impressive $15 million — approximately $5 million annually — reflecting its popularity and global acclaim.
The “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs” exhibition features 180 stunning artifacts from Egypt’s rich history, with many items originating from the famed Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. The display will include the coffin of King Ramses II as well as jewellery, statues, wooden coffins, stone carvings, and decorative items. Some of the pieces were recently unearthed by Egyptian archaeological missions in areas such as Saqqara. Collectively, the collection chronicles the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Egyptian civilisation across millennia, from the Middle Kingdom to the Late Period.
