Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egyptian Museum celebrates World Photography Day with Italian lens on ancient Egypt
In celebration of World Photography Day—a day that brings people together through the universal language of images—the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square extends an open invitation to audiences from around the world. The museum’s latest temporary exhibition, “The Magic of Ancient Egypt Through an Italian Lens: Antonio Beato, Giovanni Frazzani, and Enrico Licheri (1860–1940),” invites visitors to rediscover Egypt’s rich heritage through the eyes of three pioneering Italian photographers.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of downtown Cairo, this exhibition shares the remarkable artistic achievements of Antonio Beato, Giovanni Frazzani, and Enrico Licheri. These intrepid photographers captured Egypt’s ancient monuments alongside glimpses of rural life and everyday moments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each image is a vivid window into a world where the grandeur of pharaonic temples meets the quiet poetry of daily routines along the Nile.
At the exhibition’s heartfelt opening, Dr. Ali Abdel Halim, Director General of the Egyptian Museum, called the showcase “a window to the past and a living record preserving history’s essence.” He highlighted Cairo’s unique role as a crossroads for artists and photographers. Sharing this sentiment, Dr. Giuseppe Cecere of the Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo reminded guests that Egypt has always inspired Italian artists, and that these evocative photographs are much more than souvenirs—they are invitations to embark on an imaginative journey through time.
Ms. Mariela Laroccia, Deputy Italian Ambassador to Egypt, alongside Italian Consul Federico Novellino, expressed their admiration for the deepening ties between Egypt and Italy. Their words celebrated a thriving tradition of collaboration, strengthened by artistic and archaeological exchanges such as this one.
Adding a modern flourish to the celebration, attendees viewed a short film, “Antonio Beato’s Photographs: A New Vision Through Artificial Intelligence,” which uses cutting-edge technology to reimagine classic images for today’s viewers. Francis Amin, a distinguished researcher and expert in archival photography, shared fascinating insights into the lives, challenges, and legacies of these Italian pioneers.
Gathering museum directors, Egyptology professors, and lovers of art and history, the opening underscored the exhibition’s mission: to unite people across borders through shared wonder and appreciation. For international travelers and local enthusiasts alike, this exhibition is a chance to connect with stories from the distant past and celebrate a unique friendship between Egypt and Italy—one built on creativity, curiosity, and mutual respect.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Hall 18 on the ground floor of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, “The Magic of Ancient Egypt Through an Italian Lens” will run for three months. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or discovering Egypt for the first time, you’re warmly invited to experience the extraordinary beauty, artistry, and humanity behind these historical photographs.
The doors are open—step into the magic, and let timeless images connect us all.