Hong Kong Palace Museum

Overview

Audio guide Key exhibition texts (other languages) Publication

Ancient Egyptian civilisation originated along the reaches of the Nile River in the northeastern part of the African continent more than 7,000 years ago. From unification around 3000 BCE through the Old Kingdom period (about 2686–2160 BCE), the systems of pharaonic rule and deities were established. The culture and arts, through the development and perfection in the Middle Kingdom period (about 2034–1650 BCE) and then the fusion and transformations of the New Kingdom period (about 1550–1069 BCE), gradually reached their peak. From the 12th century BCE to the Graeco-Roman Period (332 BCE–395 CE), ancient Egyptian civilisation continued to engage in deeper interactions and integration with surrounding civilisations, including those in the Mediterranean.

This exhibition features 250 spectacular treasures from seven major Egyptian museums and the Saqqara archaeological site, including statues, stelae, gold ornaments, mummy coffins, and animal mummies. Organised into four thematic sections, “The Land of Pharaohs”, “The World of Tutankhamun”, “The Secrets of Saqqara”, and “Ancient Egypt and the World”, the exhibition traces the development of ancient Egyptian civilisation spanning nearly 5,000 years and explores the politics, arts, everyday life, and religious beliefs when this ancient civilisation flourished. The exhibition also unveils the latest archaeological discoveries from Saqqara and the vibrant exchanges between Ancient Egypt and other world civilisations.

The exhibition is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt. It is proudly supported by Bank of China (Hong Kong), the Museum’s Strategic Partner.

Cathay and UnionPay International are the Major Sponsors of the exhibition. Lenders include the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Hurghada Museum, the Suez National Museum, the Luxor Museum of Ancient Egyptian Art, the Sohag National Museum, the Matrouh Museum, the Kafr El-Sheikh Museum, and the Saqqara archaeological site. It also features objects in the collections of the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Trailer

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Highlighted objects

Broad collar and counterpoise

Probably 12th Dynasty (about 1985–1773 BCE)
Gold, gemstone
Egyptian Museum in Cairo
© The Supreme Council of Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Broad collar and counterpoise

Probably 12th Dynasty (about 1985–1773 BCE)
Gold, gemstone
Egyptian Museum in Cairo
© The Supreme Council of Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Colossal statue of Akhenaten

18th Dynasty (about 1550–1295 BCE)
Sandstone, pigment
Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Colossal statue of Akhenaten

18th Dynasty (about 1550–1295 BCE)
Sandstone, pigment
Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Colossal statue of Tutankhamun (usurped by Ay and Horemheb)

18th Dynasty (about 1550–1295 BCE)
Quartzite, pigment
Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Colossal statue of Tutankhamun (usurped by Ay and Horemheb)

18th Dynasty (about 1550–1295 BCE)
Quartzite, pigment
Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Anthropoid coffin of Nhs-hwt-bity

Late Period (664–332 BCE)
Wood, pigment
Saqqara archaeological site

Anthropoid coffin of Nhs-hwt-bity

Late Period (664–332 BCE)
Wood, pigment
Saqqara archaeological site

Bastet holding sistrum

Late Period (664–332 BCE)
Bronze
Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Bastet holding sistrum

Late Period (664–332 BCE)
Bronze
Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Beyond the Gallery

Ancient Egypt Statues

Striding statue of Merenptah
About 1213–1203 BCE
Granite
Luxor Museum
© Hong Kong Palace Museum

It will be displayed on the ground floor, depicts Pharaoh Merenptah, son and successor to Rameses II, seen striding forward with both arms at his sides, adorned with the royal Nemes headdress topped by a uraeus, the rearing cobra symbol of divine authority. The forward movement and upright posture symbolise royal authority, vitality, and readiness to lead. The statue’s finely carved features and robust proportions exemplify the artistic mastery of the New Kingdom and the enduring artistic legacy of Egypt’s royal tradition.

Collection of the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s cultural and creative products

Two brand-new pop-up stores will officially open on 20 November! Located outside the Palace Academy (LG/F) and Gallery 9 (4/F), the new stores will operate alongside the existing Art Express on G/F.

The expanded retail space will offer visitors a selection of over 100 items of Egypt-themed merchandise. The product line encompasses everything from plush bag charms and tote bags to soft toys and stationery, in addition to specially curated co-branded items created in partnership with various lifestyle brands.

Location: LG/F & 4/F

Ancient Egyptian Historical Sites

Videos featuring two emblematic Ancient Egyptian monuments—temples and pyramids—are displayed on the 18-meter-long Digital Art Wall, utilising 4K ultra-high-definition shooting technology and multi-angle camerawork. The first video focuses on the Ancient Egyptian pyramids, delving into the pharaohs’ beliefs about the afterlife, as well as the architectural and historical significance of the pyramids at Saqqara and Giza. The second video provides an introduction to the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Avenue of Sphinxes, exploring the historical landscape of the Luxor area.

Location: LG/F

Ancient Egyptian Language and Script

The Deciphering Ancient Egyptian Writing display panels and multimedia installations are located in the Gallery 2 (1/F) public area of the Museum. The exhibition section introduces the historical background of the Egyptian language and scripts, the Rosetta Stone, and the decipherment achievements of Jean-François Champollion and Thomas Young. To enhance visitors’ understanding of the application of ancient Egyptian writing, short videos are designed to demonstrate how to read the hieroglyphic name of Tutankhamun. An interactive device further allows visitors to transform their own names into hieroglyphs, offering an engaging way to connect the audience with the distant civilisation of Ancient Egypt.

Location: 1/F

Dynasties and History of Ancient Egypt

This installation traces the five-millennium development of ancient Egyptian civilization through pivotal historical and cultural events. The chronology highlights its cyclical progression—from the rise of early city-states and pyramid construction in the Old Kingdom, through reunification in the Middle Kingdom, imperial expansion in the New Kingdom, to its eventual decline under foreign rule.

Location: 1/F

Interactive Learning Area Explore Pyramids

Located in the West Atrium on 4/F of the HKPM, the interactive learning area Explore Pyramids introduces the evolution, internal structures, and fun facts of pyramids through touch stations with 3D-printed models and samples of pyramid building stones. The area also features a mini passageway designed to re-create the exploration experience inside a pyramid, offering visitors a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian architectural wisdom.

Location: 4/F

“Clicks & Flicks” AR Experience

Characters from the latest “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” exhibition have officially joined the “Clicks & Flicks” AR Experience! Alongside figures from the members of the HKPM Palace Pals are ready to meet you inside the Museum.

Use your mobile device to tap the link here or scan the QR code below to activate the “Clicks & Flicks” AR Experience. Watch as characters come to life and “jump” out of the screen for a photo with you! Plus, don’t miss the hidden characters and golden mask waiting to be unlocked!

AR-experience-QRcode