Masterpieces from the Egyptian Museum of Cairo  at Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome

alhadath – cairo

The Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities and the Scuderie del Quirinale announce the exhibition Treasures of the Pharaohs, an extraordinary journey into the heart of ancient Egyptian civilization through a remarkable selection of artifacts from Egypt’s most prestigious museums. Running from October 24, 2025, to May 3, 2026, in Rome’s Scuderie del Quirinale, one of Italy’s most prestigious exhibition venues, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders and mysteries of the Pharaonic era.

This event marks a historic moment for Italy: it is only the second time that Egypt has granted an exhibition of such magnitude in the country, following the landmark exhibition at Palazzo Grassi in Venice in 2002-2003 which featured 80 works on loan from Egypt. The Rome exhibition, with 130 masterpieces lent by Egyptian Museums, provides an exceptional overview from the origins of pharaonic civilization through to the splendour of the great rulers of the New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period, and including some of the most significant archaeological discoveries of recent years.

The exhibition is the result of a major cultural diplomacy initiative between Italy and Egypt, realized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities with the support of the Italian Embassy in Cairo. This partnership has enabled an extraordinary loan of masterpieces from some of Egypt’s most important museums, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and the Luxor Museum. The Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) in Turin enthusiastically supported the project and will lend an exceptional item from its collection to the exhibition.

Among the exhibition’s highlights are a number of exceptional loans arriving in Italy for the first time, providing visitors with an unmissable and  once-in-a-lifetime experience. Among them is the Menkaure Triad — the pharaoh who lived over 4,500 years ago and commissioned one of the three great pyramids of Giza — a monumental sculptural masterpiece from the Old Kingdom, depicting Pharaoh flanked by the goddess Hathor and the protective deity of the Theban region, a powerful representation of sacred kingship.

The golden Coffin of Queen Ahhotep, a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary art, stands out for its extraordinary refinement of execution. Entirely covered in gold, it reflects the queen’s rank and her connection to the divine realm. Also belonging to the queen is the legendary Necklace of Golden Flies of Queen Ahhotep, an honorary military distinction reserved for Egypt’s greatest warriors. This symbol of heroism and bravery bears witness to the sovereign’s crucial role in preserving the stability of the kingdom during a pivotal era in Egyptian history.

Another masterpiece is the gold funerary mask of Amenemope, a remarkable work of Egyptian goldsmithing that embodies the concept of royal immortality through its refined execution and use of gold, a metal sacred to the solar deity. The exhibition also presents the golden coffin of Thuya, grandmother of the great Pharaoh Akhenaten, whose intricate decorations and hieroglyphic inscriptions accompany her journey into the afterlife. Another extraordinary artifact on display is the gold funerary covering of Pharaoh Psusennes I, one of the most fascinating relics of the Third Intermediate Period, finely decorated with sacred symbols intended to grant the sovereign protection in the afterlife.

Through six thematic sections, the exhibition will explore the complexity of Egyptian society, the divine authority of the pharaohs, daily life, religious beliefs, funerary practices, and the most recent archaeological discoveries. From the imposing statues of Sennefer, Ramses VI and Thutmose III to exquisite royal jewelry, from finely crafted everyday objects to sarcophagi adorned with sacred symbols, the exhibition will reveal the extraordinary artistic sophistication and profound spirituality that have made ancient Egypt one of the most captivating civilizations in history.

A special focus will be dedicated to the “Golden City,” one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent years. This excavation has unearthed a vast settlement dating back to the reign of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten, revealing unprecedented details about the daily life of artisans who served the royals and their families. This extraordinary discovery offers a new and more intimate perspective on Egyptian society, highlighting the ingenuity and skill of those who contributed to the construction of the great monuments of antiquity.

The exhibition, curated by Dr. Tarek El Awady, will be accompanied by a catalog written by Dr. Zahi Hawass and published by Allemandi Editore, will include a rich program of events, including lectures, guided tours, and educational workshops for both adults and children, designed to enhance visitors’ knowledge of Egyptian culture and provide an immersive and engaging experience.

Tickets will be available for presale starting Friday, May 30, 2025.

Treasures of the Pharaohs is an unmissable opportunity to explore the extraordinary legacy of a civilization that continues to inspire and fascinate the world.

 

H.E. Michele Quaroni, Italian Ambassador to Egypt, commented:

 

Cultural diplomacy allows us to speak a universal language—one that transcends borders and connects people. This exhibition is a powerful expression of that idea. It brings together institutions, scholars, and citizens from both countries, reminding us that culture is not only about the past but mainly looks at the future. The longstanding cultural ties between Italy and Egypt, rooted in millennia of Mediterranean exchange, continue to flourish through initiatives like this, deepening mutual appreciation and collaboration.

 

Dr. Mohammed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated:

 

“Temporary archaeological exhibitions abroad are a vital cultural bridge, they allow global audiences to explore the richness of ancient Egyptian civilization, showcasing the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians in fields such as science, engineering, and the arts. These exhibitions play a key role in fostering intercultural dialogue and bringing people closer together through a shared appreciation of human heritage.”

Reflecting on the significance of the current exhibition, Dr. Khaled stated: “This marks the second-largest display of ancient Egyptian antiquities in Italy since 2002, when the ‘Pharaohs’ exhibition was held in Venice. That exhibition focused on the role of ancient Egyptian kings during the New Kingdom. Today, we are proud to return with a collection that reflects the richness of our history and the timeless appeal of our heritage.”

Speaking about the exhibition itself, he added: ‘Treasures of the Pharaohs’ exhibition presents 130 carefully selected artifacts from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and Luxor Museum. These objects narrate the story of Egypt’s illustrious civilization across different periods, with a thematic focus on kingship, the royal court, religious beliefs, daily life, funerary practices, and the afterlife. The exhibition will remain open to the public until May 2026, offering an extended opportunity for visitors to engage with our past.”

On the ongoing role of the Tahrir Museum, Dr. Khaled emphasized: “The selection of these artifacts from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir sends a clear message: the museum continues to be a cornerstone of Egypt’s cultural and educational legacy. Contrary to the perception that it may be overshadowed by the upcoming grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on July 3, the Tahrir Museum is undergoing extensive upgrades to its exhibition spaces and curatorial narrative.”

He continued: “These developments are being carried out in collaboration with the European Union and five of Europe’s leading museums, including the Museo Egizio in Turin. Our goal is to preserve the historic character of the Tahrir Museum while enhancing its presentation and visitor experience.”

Dr. Khaled affirmed: “The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir remains one of the world’s most significant cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1902, it has been a destination for both local and international visitors. Its unparalleled collection continues to be an essential reference for Egyptologists and admirers of ancient Egyptian civilization around the globe.”

Dr. Moamen Othman, Head of the Museums Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities – stated:

“This exhibition is the culmination of over a year of dedicated collaboration with our Italian partners. It has been made possible through close cooperation with ALES – ARTE LAVORO E SERVIZI S.p.A., an internal entity of the Italian Ministry of Culture, as well as  Mondo Mostre, a renowned institution with vast experience in organizing international exhibitions.”

He added: “The Scuderie del Quirinale, where the exhibition will be hosted, is one of Italy’s most prestigious cultural venues. Located adjacent to the Colonna Gardens and atop the ruins of the grand Temple of Serapis, and in close proximity to the Palazzo del Quirinale—the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic—as well as the Constitutional Court, the location is of immense political and historical significance. Hosting the exhibition here sends a strong symbolic message about the profound respect and admiration the Italian people have for the ancient Egyptian civilization.”

“Among the most remarkable pieces on display are the magnificent coffin of Queen Ahhotep and one of the coffins of Yuya—both exemplifying the spiritual beliefs and religious practices of ancient Egyptians. Additionally, the golden mask of King Amenemope is a striking example of the artistic excellence achieved by ancient Egyptian craftsmen and their deep reverence for their monarchs,” Othman highlights the significance of the artifacts selected for the exhibition.

“The exhibition promises to be a landmark cultural event that has already generated considerable anticipation among the Italian public.”

 

Dr. Fabio Tagliaferri, Chairman of Ales – the in-house company of the Italian Ministry of Culture – commented:

ALES SpA, through its collaboration with the Ministry of Culture in managing the Scuderie del Quirinale, has realized a key strategic objective with the major exhibition “Treasures of the Pharaohs”. Made possible by the exceptional support of the Egyptian government and its national museums, this exhibition exemplifies the power of culture to foster strong international relations, and  showcases  ALES SpA’s commitment to producing  historically and geographically significant exhibitions.

 

Dr. Tarek El Awady, Curator of the Exhibition, commented:

Curating “Treasures of the Pharaohs” has been the most challenging and exhilarating journey of my professional life. It is difficult to describe what it means to build an exhibition that will carry the soul of ancient Egypt to the heart of Rome – not only through dazzling objects of gold and stone, but through stories. Stories of discovery, of resilience, of human ingenuity. And stories that have never been told beyond Egypt’s border – until now.

 

Dr. Matteo Lafranconi, Director of Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome, commented:

It is a great honour for Scuderie del Quirinale – exhibition venue belonging to the Presidency of the Republic of Italy and run by the Italian Ministry of Culture through its in-house company ALES SpA – to present the exhibition “Treasures of the Pharaohs”. Granted by the importance and exceptional nature of the loans generously provided by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the exhibition is a unique opportunity to present to the Italian public a culturally ambitious project in line with the programme set out by its Scientific Committee, and to represent, through a cultural offering of the highest prestige, the system of absolute values embodied by the Quirinal identity. An identity with millennia-old roots, shaped by the merging and mutual enrichment of the great civilisations that developed along the various shores of the Mediterranean.

 

Dr. Christian Greco, Director of the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) in Turin, stated:

“To honour this major exhibition the Museo Egizio will lend a particularly significant object, the first item of our collection, the famous Mensa Isiaca: a magnificent artifact in bronze table inlaid with gold, silver, copper, zinc and niello produced in Rome in the first century in imitation of ancient Egyptian works of art and arrived in Turin almost 400 years ago. It testifies the strong historical link between Egypt and Rome; a symbol of how our two countries have been in dialogue and contact for millennia.”

 

 

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Venue: Scuderie del Quirinale, Rome

Dates: October 24, 2025 – May 3, 2026

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry one hour before closing)

Website: www.scuderiequirinale.it

Press Office Ales – Scuderie del Quirinale

Nicoletta Ciardullo

N.Ciardullo@ales-spa.it

+39 337 1306538

Andrea Pontecorvo

a.pontecorvo@maimgroup.com

+39 393 548 6192

Press Office Comin & Partners

Rachele Mannocchi

rachele.mannocchi@cominandpartners.com

+39 349 847 0454

Bianca Lorusso Caputi

bianca.lorussocaputi@cominandpartners.com

+39 348 210 1915

Media Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities

Nevine El-Aref

navounah@gmail.com

+20100336206

 

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