Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Italian capital, Rome, witnessed extraordinary congestion this weekend as thousands of visitors flooded into the “Treasures of the Pharaohs” exhibition, eager to explore 130 rare artifacts that narrate the story of ancient Egypt’s grandeur. The exhibition, inaugurated by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, drew unprecedented attention from the public, with queues stretching for blocks outside the Scuderie del Quirinale gallery from the early morning hours.
The opening ceremony was attended by Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, and Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. Organizers said the turnout far exceeded expectations, describing it as one of the largest public responses ever recorded for a cultural exhibition at the venue.
Images and videos shared on social media showed long lines of visitors waiting patiently to enter the gallery and marvel at Egypt’s ancient masterpieces. According to Dr. Ismail, the exhibition sold 50,000 tickets within its first days 10,000 more than on the opening day reflecting overwhelming public enthusiasm.
“With daily attendance now reaching between 6,000 and 7,000 people, we are studying the possibility of extending visiting hours into the evening to accommodate the growing crowds,” Ismail said. He added that the massive turnout demonstrates the deep admiration Italians hold for Egyptian civilization and highlights the exhibition’s success in promoting Egypt as a top cultural tourism destination.
Running until February 2026, “Treasures of the Pharaohs” features carefully selected pieces from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and the Luxor Museum of Art. The exhibition traces the evolution of pharaonic life across multiple themes royalty, the royal court, religion, daily life, funerary rituals, and the afterlife.
Among the highlights are a striking bust of Queen Nefertiti, rare funerary tools that reveal secrets of the mummification process, and royal jewelry showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artisans. “It’s like traveling through time into the heart of ancient Egypt,” said one Italian visitor, describing the exhibition as a “mesmerizing cultural journey.”
The event is part of Egypt’s global series of heritage exhibitions designed to promote cultural tourism and strengthen Egypt’s presence in key international markets. Following successful showcases in Paris and London, Rome was chosen as the next destination given Italy’s growing importance as a source of inbound tourism to Egypt with more than 400,000 Italian visitors recorded in 2024, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism.
The exhibition also underscores the strong archaeological cooperation between Egypt and Italy. Italian museums and research institutions are active partners in restoration projects in Luxor and Aswan and continue to support Egyptian archaeological missions in uncovering new treasures a testament to the enduring fascination and shared commitment to preserving humanity’s oldest civilization.
