Shanghai Museum will extend the opening hours of its record-breaking Egyptian exhibition to 9 pm daily (except Mondays, when the museum is closed) starting July 1.

The extended hours come as On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt enters its final phase ahead of its scheduled closure on Aug 17. A special "Sleepless Night" program will be launched in the final week, during which the exhibition will open 24 hours a day for 7 straight days, a global first.

Since its inauguration on July 19, 2024, the exhibition has mesmerized the international cultural and museum sectors, attracting over 2 million visitors and surpassing global records for single-entry ticketed exhibitions of its kind.

Nearly 70 percent of attendees have journeyed from locations outside Shanghai and overseas, with a significant portion making special trips to Shanghai specifically for this remarkable showcase.

The exhibition's popularity has even sparked a 65 percent year-on-year increase in Chinese tourists visiting Egypt, as highlighted by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

In the lead-up to the finale, the museum is rolling out a series of thematic events and promotional campaigns across the country.

A promotional tour to major cities across China, including Chengdu in Sichuan province, Xi'an in Shaanxi, Kaifeng in Henan, Hangzhou in Zhejiang, and Nanjing in Jiangsu has been launched, integrating local intangible cultural heritage and featuring a themed car parade to showcase the wonders of the exhibition in bustling city areas.

Meanwhile, the fourth pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, Merneptah, has been engaging audiences by "sharing" his daily — Pharaoh's Diary — on Xiaohongshu (rednote) and various overseas media platforms since May 10, sparking discussions on history, culture, and trending topics.

Furthermore, the museum has been updating its weekly "star" exhibit, sharing high-definition images, engaging narratives, and short videos as part of an educational series.

An interactive "Little Pharaoh Tours China" activity has also been launched, encouraging visitors to take home a "Little Pharaoh" doll, potentially available at discounted rates from the museum's gift shop, and share their experiences through photos.

During the final week, the museum will also host two vibrant carnivals, where costumed performers dressed as pharaohs will roam the premises, interact with visitors, and offer various interactive games with prizes, promising an unforgettable journey through ancient Egyptian civilization.

A special themed book and a high-definition documentary on the exhibition are also in the pipeline, shedding light on the captivating stories and interviews that have made this exhibition a phenomenon. The documentary, nearly an hour in length, is scheduled for a grand release following the exhibition's closure, encapsulating the essence of this extraordinary cultural extravaganza, according to the hosting museum.

Source: thepaper.cn