Monday, 25 May 2026
NMEC hosts ‘Spirit and Love’ New Year exhibition
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat has inaugurated a special celebration entitled “Spirit and Love” to mark the New Year and Christmas holidays. The festivities feature a temporary archaeological exhibition in the museum’s Egyptian Textiles Hall, running for two months in collaboration with the Coptic Museum in Cairo.
The event opened in the presence of church delegates, public figures, and enthusiasts of Egyptian heritage and Coptic art, reflecting Egypt’s rich history of religious and cultural diversity.
Dr. Tayeb Abbas, CEO of NMEC, emphasized the museum’s cultural and societal role, noting that its mission extends beyond displaying artifacts. “Our aim is also to showcase the humanistic and spiritual values that have shaped Egypt’s identity through the ages. This exhibition underlines Egypt’s historic reputation as a beacon of tolerance, coexistence, and cultural richness,” Dr. Abbas explained.
Dr. Ahmed Hamida, Head of Egypt’s Museums Sector, highlighted the fruitful cooperation between cultural institutions represented in this exhibition. He noted the profoundly spiritual and human symbolism in focusing on the Virgin Mary as the exhibition’s central figure, projecting the intellectual and inclusive character of Egyptian civilization throughout its history.
Dr. Nashwa Gaber, Deputy CEO for Archaeological Affairs, stated that the exhibition brings together an exceptional and rarely-seen selection of Coptic masterpieces shown to the public for the first time. These include icons, ancient manuscripts, and artisan crafts once used in monasteries and churches. Among the highlights is a unique icon of the Virgin Mary’s Nativity and a stone relief depicting her breastfeeding the infant Jesus, all underscoring the profound artistic and symbolic value of Egypt’s Coptic heritage.
Gihan Atef, Director General of the Coptic Museum, expressed her delight at this collaboration, affirming that it demonstrates the synergy between cultural institutions in highlighting the richness and diversity of Egypt’s heritage across different eras.
Accompanying the exhibition, NMEC also opened a photography showcase documenting how Egyptians celebrate Christmas and New Year, organized in collaboration with the Egyptian Journalists’ Syndicate. The event was attended by syndicate leaders and prominent photographers.
The festivities included vibrant artistic performances, such as the Agapi Choir’s renditions of Coptic songs expressing themes of love and peace. Additionally, a hymnal choir from St. Paul’s Church in Obour City performed, creating a joyful and harmonious celebration of inclusivity and unity.
As part of its educational initiatives, the museum organized hands-on workshops in arts and crafts, led by students from Helwan University’s Faculty of Art Education. Activities included creative art projects under the supervision of professor Asmaa Sayed and guided tours highlighting Egypt’s biblical history and its role as a sanctuary for the Holy Family. Art specialist Heba Abdelkader also held interactive art sessions depicting scenes from the Nativity.
The museum’s Summer School of Art, under the direction of Dr. Nermeen Mostafa, participated with activities for all ages, including live icon painting, children’s coloring workshops, interactive games, and the distribution of Christmas gifts, ensuring an inclusive and innovative cultural experience for all visitors.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that these events are part of NMEC’s ongoing commitment to engaging diverse audiences and enhancing the role of art and history in enriching the visitor experience.