Groundbreaking Digital Reconstruction of a Colossal Tutankhamun Pharaoh Statue Shared with the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to Deepen Cultural Exchange and Explore Future Collaboration
The Hong Kong Palace Museum’s (HKPM or the Museum) special exhibition “Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” (“Ancient Egypt Unveiled”) concluded tonight (31 August 2026). Over its celebrated nine-and-a-half-month run, the exhibition drew more than 670,000 visitors, making it Hong Kong’s largest and most significant presentation of antiquities from Egypt in recent years. The blockbuster exhibition showcased the HKPM’s excellence in fostering cultural dialogue among world civilisations and advancing innovation in the cultural industry.
Jointly organised by the HKPM and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt, “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” was proudly supported by Bank of China (Hong Kong), the Museum’s Strategic Partner, with Cathay and UnionPay International as the Major Sponsors. On the exhibition’s final day, H.E. Dr Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the SCA of Egypt, made a special trip to Hong Kong to visit the exhibition, accompanied by Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, and Anas Shadi, Acting Consul-General of Egypt in Hong Kong and Macau. H.E. Dr Hisham El-Leithy exchanged insights with the Museum’s Curatorial, Retail, and Learning teams, commending the HKPM staff for their professionalism and innovative approach.
2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt. As a major milestone, the “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” exhibition showcased 250 treasures from seven leading Egyptian museums and sites, including recent archaeological discoveries from Saqqara, spanning nearly 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. Across four thematic sections, visitors encountered over 60 magnificent statues of pharaohs and deities, painted and inscribed stone stelae, eight animal mummies, seven exquisitely painted anthropoid coffins, mysterious mummy masks, glittering royal jewellery pieces, and everyday objects*.
A highlight was the HKPM’s cutting-edge art-tech installation, which used dynamic projection mapping to virtually reconstruct a 2.85-metre-tall statue of Tutankhamun, restoring its brilliant original colours. This installation exemplifies the HKPM’s commitment to digital innovation and highlights the fruitful cultural collaboration between Egypt and Hong Kong. Upon the exhibition’s conclusion, the HKPM gifted this digital feature to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home to the original Tutankhamun statue, to share its expertise in digital conservation and contemporary exhibition design with its Egyptian counterpart, demonstrating how technology can bring cultural heritage to life.
* All loaned ancient Egyptian artefacts are the inalienable property of the Arab Republic of Egypt and are presented on temporary loan by the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt.
Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, said, “From the Forbidden City to ancient Egypt, the Hong Kong Palace Museum remains professionally and creatively committed to bridging past and present, connecting East and West, and fostering dialogue among world civilisations through a unique Hong Kong perspective. ‘Ancient Egypt Unveiled’ has not only brought international masterpieces to the city but has also offered audiences an inspiring cultural experience through pioneering digital technologies and innovative curatorial approaches. Building on Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, we look forward to deepening our collaborations with Egyptian cultural partners on exhibitions, research, and digital innovation, ensuring this meaningful dialogue between the civilisations of China and Egypt continues long after the exhibition closes.”
H.E. Dr Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Egypt, said, “ ‘Ancient Egypt Unveiled’ marks an important milestone in the cultural exchange between Egypt and China. We are deeply honoured to have partnered with the Hong Kong Palace Museum and to have witnessed the tremendous interest and enthusiasm the public has shown for ancient Egyptian civilisation. Beyond being an extraordinary cultural celebration, this exhibition has established a solid foundation for future collaboration and partnerships between museums and cultural institutions in our two countries. We are grateful to the Hong Kong Palace Museum for gifting the digital feature to restore the Tutankhamun statue to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and we look forward to further strengthening the friendship and partnership between our two countries, paving the way for more Egyptian treasures to be shared with audiences in China and across Asia.”
Cultural IP development and cross-sector collaborations: Merchandise revenue reaches over HK$33 million, amplifying cultural impact
The HKPM is committed to integrating the cultural and creative industries with everyday lifestyle aesthetics. In conjunction with “Ancient Egypt Unveiled”, the HKPM launched around 170 original merchandise items inspired by ancient Egyptian civilisation, including the beloved Black Cat Plush and Blind Box, alongside exhibition catalogues, children’s books, and other publications. These creative products not only brought a fun and engaging cultural experience to visitors but also generated more than HK$33 million in revenue for the Museum, illustrating the power of high-quality cultural merchandise and the growth potential of the cultural and creative industries. The Museum also initiated more than 10 cross-sector innovative collaborations spanning cultural tourism, public transportation, retail, and lifestyle brands, amplifying its cultural impact through establishing long-term partnerships. In particular, the Museum’s original IP, “Pharaoh Cat”, became a massive hit. Highlights include the HKPM x MTR “T Chai x Pharaoh Cat: A Journey into Ancient Egypt” thematic showcase, KMB Pharaoh Cat Buses, limited-edition offerings in partnership with Starbucks, and creative promotional campaigns with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Looking ahead: Diverse exhibitions in autumn and winter of 2026 open new chapters in international cultural exchange
Building on the remarkable success of “Ancient Egypt Unveiled”, the HKPM will present a rich array of exhibitions in the coming autumn and winter seasons. These include innovative exhibitions exploring the craftsmanship and design of the Qing Imperial Workshops, the daily aesthetics of the Qing court across the four seasons, treasures of Eastern Orthodox art, and Buddhist art along the Silk Roads. Through these diverse presentations of art from around the globe, the Museum continues to foster dialogue between Chinese and world civilisations, furthering its mission as a global platform for cultural exchange.
From 1 September, the HKPM will introduce the “Package for Two” special offer for September 2026 adult tickets. Visitors can enjoy access to the special exhibition (Gallery 8) and all thematic exhibitions (Galleries 1–7) at the discounted price starting from HK$240 for two (Original price: HK$300). In addition, the Family Ticket Combos will return for October 2026 tickets. Visitors can enjoy access to a special exhibition (Gallery 8 or 9) and all thematic exhibitions (Galleries 1–7) with this ticket combo. The 3-person package (2 adults + 1 child aged 7–11#) is priced from HK$300 (Original price: HK$375), while the 2-person package (1 adult + 1 child aged 7–11#) is priced from HK$190 (Original price: HK$225). For further details on the Museum’s ticketing, please refer to the Museum website.
A limited-time “HKPM Friends” Family Membership offer will also be available from 1 September to 11 October. Priced at HK$988 (Original price: HK$1,200), the package offers one year of membership for 2 adults and 1 child aged 7–11# or 1 full-time student. This limited offer on family membership is available on the WestK ticketing’s WeChat mini programme and on-site purchase at service counter on the LG/F of the Museum.
# Free entry for children aged 6 and under.
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About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
Through innovative curatorial approaches, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents priceless treasures from the Palace Museum along with the finest collections from other world-renowned institutions. The Museum is also in the process of building its own world-class collection. Opened in 2022, the Museum is a leading institution for the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture and the promotion of dialogue among world civilisations. The Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust made a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2032.
Through research, exhibitions, publications, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum builds international partnerships and positions Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. A resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum inspires community engagement, fosters dialogue, and promotes creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and Hong Kong’s new cultural tourism landmark, spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the upcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre.
Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions, performances, programmes, and events each year, WestK provides a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. WestK welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, evolving as the international cultural brand of Hong Kong and strengthening the city’s strategic role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
https://www.westk.hk/
