Inside the newly opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (Facebook)

Delhi, India | Feb 22, 2017, 03.44 PM (IST)

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) is a new addition to the list of Egypt’s museums.

As part of the International Campaign for the Establishment of the Nubia Museum in Aswan and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo, UNESCO has paired with the Egyptian government on the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Cairo.

Recently inaugurated in the ancient Fustat city, location of the original city of Cairo, NMEC will become the first museum devoted entirely to Egyptian civilization. Though it was conceptualised much earlier, the museum was put on hold because of the 2011 revolution.

The expansive Museum is spread across 25-acres and is home to more than 50,000 artefacts. The premises also includes the ancient Ain Basira natural lake.

It promises to offer a narrative that will give the viewers an entry into the the roots and origin of one of the world’s first civilisations. The NMEC will showcase Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day, using a multidisciplinary approach that highlights the country’s tangible and intangible heritage.

Historically, Egypt has influenced several world cultures, providing building blocks for Greek and Roman culture, and, through them, influenced all of the Western tradition, as per Khan academy.

NMEC has been designed by Egyptian architect El Ghazzali Kosseiba. The exhibition spaces are being designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. For those who are looking to explore the museum, it is right behind the famous Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque. Entry and photography is free for everyone until the end of February, after which entry will be set at EGP 30 for Egyptians and EGP 60 for foreigners, according to the Museum’s Facebook page.

These are some pictures from the Museum: