Chirac reopens Egyptian pavilion at Louvre Museum
Egypt-France, Culture, 12/20/1999

In the heart of the French capital Paris, center of enlightenment, arts and beauty, the Kings and Queens of Pharaonic Egypt tell the world the glorious history of Egypt since the dawn of history. The Egyptian pavilion which comprises 5000 antiques depicting the Ancient Egyptian art over 4000 years is the largest in the Louvre and the most important worldwide.

French President Jacques Chirac yesterday opened the refurbished galleries of the Department of Ancient Egyptian Collections in the famed Paris-based Louvre Museum.

Some 10,000 square meters of the Louvre have been completely renovated in the final stage of the important restoration works in the museum which commenced 15 years under late French President Francois Mitterrand.

Accompanied by curator of the Louvre Pierre Rosenberg, and a host of French and Egyptian officials and foreign diplomats serving in Paris, the French Leader visited the Sarcophagus Room and different areas of the renovated pavilion. The event drew the attention of global media, and brought into focus the role Ancient Egypt's civilization played in forging the world heritage as well as the widespread "Egyptomania" in France.

Speaking after the inauguration, the French Culture Minister said that the new Pavilion would allow thousands of Ancient Egyptian civilization devotees to enjoy the "treasures of the Pharaonic civilization."

Former United Nations Secretary-General Dr. Boutros Boutros Ghali, who is now the Secretary-General of La Francophonie Group, said that the Egyptian pavilion would help enhance the relations between the two countries. He added that the spectacular opening reflected the deep French interest in Egypt, the role Cairo plays on the international arena as well as the Egyptian-French friendship.

Chirac's Advisor for African Affairs said that after the inauguration of the new section, the Louvre Museum had become the most important museum in the world. The inauguration was also the main front-page story of French newspapers.

In a related development, the French TV on Friday night broadcast a special documentary on the rare Egyptian antiquities in the Louvre, adding that the new pavilion would turn the museum into the Mecca of Ancient Egyptian civilization lovers.

The Louvre's Egyptian holdings are the most popular part of its collection, and following renovations, have now been allocated 60 per cent more exhibition space. Some 5000 works are now being displayed in a 30-section Egyptian pavilion.

The aim of renovations, according to Christian Zeiglers, head of the Egyptian Department, is to present the Museum's holdings "in a more coherent, spacious and inviting manner." In addition to the Pharaonic artifacts, many items dating back to the Greco-Roman and Coptic periods are displayed for the first time.

It has become the focus of attention despite the opening of two other pavilion, not only because the French adore all that is Egyptian,but also because the exhibits are so distinguished and interesting. The Egyptian pavilion is located in the east side of the Louver in front of the famous "Qurcarier" Yard.

It comprises 31 halls in 3 floors, one of which is underground and has an area of 5190 square meters with a 60% extension to the old area ( 2700 square meters). The exhibits are classified either by subject or according to historical hierarchy. There are 18 halls in the basement, each depicting one aspect of the Ancient Egyptian civilization, such as the Nile, writing, music, cosmetics, gods, the world of the dead, agriculture, furniture and mummification.

The first floor comprises 12 halls, the exhibits of which cover the period extending from prehistoric times till the Ptolemies. At the entrance to the Egyptian pavilion stand a statue of Sphinx - the third biggest one of its kind - and another of the Egyptian Scribe which dates back to the 5th dynasty (2500 BC) and was found in Saqqara in 1921.

Previous Stories:
  UNICEF lauds Mubarak's role in child welfare   (12/17/1999)
  Fair for ancient Egyptian archeology in Japan next August   (12/17/1999)
  Egypt proposes cultural prize with US   (12/17/1999)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search