Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie on Friday opened an exhibition of ancient Egyptian artefacts at the de Young Museum.
The exhibition, titled “Treasures of the Pharaohs,” features 130 objects spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history.
The opening ceremony was attended by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, renowned Egyptian archaeologist and former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass, Egyptian officials, museum directors, tour operators and representatives of US tourism companies.
Fathy said temporary archaeological exhibitions served as “ambassadors for Egypt, its civilisation and its culture,” adding that he hoped the display would inspire visitors to travel to Egypt and explore its archaeological and cultural heritage.
“Each artefact is a masterpiece in its own right,” Fathy said, adding that the objects had been carefully selected to tell the story of ancient Egypt’s artistic and civilisational achievements.
He said the exhibition marked the third co-operation between Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and San Francisco’s Fine Arts Museums, and followed a successful first stop in Rome.
“The exhibitions cross seas and borders, carrying not only priceless archaeological treasures, but also civilisational messages and human stories,” Fathy said.
Hisham el-Leithy, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the exhibition as more than a display of artefacts, saying it brought “the spirit of ancient Egypt” to California and invited visitors on a journey spanning more than 3,000 years.
“When Egypt shares its heritage with the world, it does not merely lend archaeological objects; it opens avenues for dialogue between civilisations,” he said.
Lurie thanked the Egyptian minister and the institutions in both countries involved in organising the exhibition. He said the artefacts had travelled thousands of years to reach San Francisco and carried stories from one of history’s most influential civilisations.
He added that San Francisco was the first US city to host treasures from the so-called Golden City of Luxor, the ancient city discovered near modern-day Luxor.
Following the ceremony, guests toured the exhibition galleries and viewed the artefacts and their historical, artistic and cultural significance.
