[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

The exhibition On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt opens to the public on July 19 at the Shanghai Museum. 

Hailed as the largest exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts ever held outside of Egypt, the exhibition encompasses more than 780 selected relics from different periods of ancient Egypt, with over 95 percent of the artifacts making their debut in Asia. 

Visitors will embark on a historic journey through three independent sections: The Land of the Pharaohs, The Secrets of Saqqara, and The Age of Tutankhamun. 

 

First section: The Land of the Pharaohs

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

The Land of the Pharaohs section starts with the genesis myths, focusing on the two icons of ancient Egyptian civilizations: temples and pyramids. This section explores the essence of Egyptian civilization and traces the trajectory of its growth. 

It showcases ancient Egypt's cosmology, social systems, artisan skills, hieroglyphic writing, religious beliefs and burial customs, encompassing both everyday life and the spiritual realm. 

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

With the establishment of royal power, the historical narrative of the pharaoh-era unfolds, laying the foundation for the ensuing millennia. Ultimately, Egyptian civilization merged into the broader Mediterranean world as well as other civilizations.

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

This section also displays some Chinese artifacts, aiming to spark a dialogue between the two ancient civilizations. 

 

Second Section: The Secrets of Saqqara

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The ancient Egyptians viewed the establishment of Memphis as its capital as the beginning of their history. And Saqqara is the most important necropolis of Memphis. 

Saqqara is known for housing Egypt's first pyramid, the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, along with 15 other pyramids from the 3rd Dynasty to the 13th Dynasty. The site also contains numerous tombs built for nobles and animals from various periods. As a sacred place for ancient Egyptians, the necropolis retains traces of religious practices and rituals from various eras.   

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

In 2020, archaeologists made remarkable discoveries at Saqqara, including Egypt's largest animal mummy cemetery and the only remaining temple dedicated to Bastet, the cat-like goddess of protection, pleasure, and good health. These findings have brought Saqqara into the global spotlight. 

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

The Secrets of Saqqara section will systematically disclose the significant archaeological discoveries made in Saqqara for the first time. It traces the long trajectory of religious practices, including the worship of sacred animals, offerings to the goddess Bastet, and the burial customs of Bastet’s priests.

 

Third Section: The Age of Tutankhamun

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died at the age of 19, caused a sensation in 1922 when his tomb was discovered. Nearly 5,000 precious artifacts were unearthed from the mausoleum. Among the unearthed artifacts was Tutankhamun's golden mask, which became the most familiar Egyptian face to the world. Over the past century, archaeologists, linguists, and historians have comprehensively reconstructed life scenes from the era of the young pharoah. 

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

The Age of Tutankhamun section traces the emergence of the god of Amun and the religious reforms of Akhenaten - which marked a major change from monotheism to polytheism in Egypt. This exhibit then recounts the resurgence of traditional regions under the reign of Tutankhamun and its consequences.

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

Visitors will enter a surrounding visual space through a narrow corridor, witnessing the life of the young pharaoh and experiencing the joys and sorrows of the Egyptian people living in the 14th century BC. 

 

 

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

In addition, the Shanghai Museum has arranged a series of special sessions and activities for visitors so that they can experience the charm of ancient Egypt in an immersive and diverse way. This includes cat-friendly evening sessions titled Fantastic Night, the immersive exhibition The Disappeared Pharaoh: An Immersive Exploration of the Khufu Pyramid, and the themed cruise that sails along the Huangpu River. 

[Photo/Shanghai Museum]

The museum has also launched a host of Egypt-themed souvenirs, a mobile game, learning and educational activities, and a scripted play.

Egypt-themed souvenirs rolled out by the Shanghai Museum. [Photo/Shanghai Museum]

 

Exhibition Time: July 19, 2014 - Aug 15, 2025 (closed on Mondays, except national holidays)

Address: 1st Floor of the Shanghai Museum on People's Square, No 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

 

To purchase tickets and make reservations, please search for the "上海博物馆参观预约Shanghai Museum Reservation" mini-program on WeChat, or access it through the Shanghai Museum official WeChat account.

Scan the QR code to connect with the Shanghai Museum WeChat account and make a reservation for the exhibition.

 

Source: Shanghai Museum