Hong Kong is hosting the most extensive display of ancient Egyptian treasures ever seen in the territory, marking a significant cultural collaboration between the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). The landmark exhibition, titled “Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums,” features 250 relics spanning nearly 4,000 years of history, offering the public a rare, nine-and-a-half-month opportunity to explore the mystique of the pharaohs without leaving the city.
The unprecedented showcase, which runs through the next three quarters, presents a comprehensive look at the world of ancient Egyptians, from monumental sculpture and funerary rites to daily life. Many of these artifacts are being displayed outside of Egypt for the first time, loaned directly from seven institutions under the SCA, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Luxor Museum of the Ancient Egyptian Art.
Unearthing Four Millennia of History
The collection offers deep insights into Egyptian civilization, particularly focusing on the funerary customs and spiritual beliefs surrounding the afterlife. Highlights include intricately painted wooden and stone coffins, vital elements for the journey into the next world. Visitors can examine a genuine Book of the Dead papyrus scroll and the iconic canopic jars used during the mummification process to store internal organs.
Beyond burial items, the exhibition features monumental statues of powerful figures, such as the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut and Pharaoh Rameses II. The display also contextualizes groundbreaking recent archaeological finds from Saqqara, the extensive necropolis near the ancient capital of Memphis. Everyday objects, including an ancient Egyptian toilet seat, provide a relatable glimpse into the domestic routines of citizens millennia ago.
A must-see feature near the end of the main exhibition hall is a dedicated space focusing on early cross-cultural exchanges. This section displays artifacts that illustrate interactions between ancient Egypt and other civilizations, notably featuring a stone stele inscribed with three scripts: ancient Greek, Egyptian demotic script, and hieroglyphs—a clear historical echo of the famed Rosetta Stone.
Planning Your Visit to the HKPM Exhibition
To access the “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” exhibition, visitors must purchase a special access ticket to the HKPM. The special ticket, priced at HK$190 for adults, grants entry to this exclusive show as well as the standard thematic exhibitions located in Galleries One through Seven. For comprehensive access, the full HKPM ticket costs HK$230 for adults and covers all nine galleries. Discounted pricing is also available through family packages.
Beyond the historical artifacts, organizers have curated an immersive retail experience. The museum gift store features a range of Egyptian-themed merchandise, including folders, apparel, stationery, and fragrances. A popular item is the blind-box series of collectible bag charms, featuring stylized versions of iconic Egyptian figures such as mummies and canopic jars.
The long duration and breadth of this exhibition cement its status as a landmark cultural event for Hong Kong. It offers residents and international visitors a singular educational experience by bringing priceless pieces of global history directly to Asia. This collaboration sets a vital precedent for future cultural exchanges, strengthening the ties between the region and the rich legacy of the ancient Mediterranean world.