However old you are, ancient Egypt fascinates us all: the mythology, the inventions, the monuments and the eternal treasures, the kings and queens turned legends… From movies to books, to architecture, fashion or performing arts, this culture influences a lot of things around us. And even in museums. And especially in museums.
This is very good news for all ancient Egypt buffs: in Paris, there are plenty of archeological pieces and works allowing you to learn more about this historic era. But where to find these gems, you wonder. To do so, there is nothing simpler as you simply have to keep reading!
At the moment in Paris, several exhibitions and experiences shine a light on Egypt and its mysteries:
Pharaoh of the Two Lands at the Louvre, our photos of the exhibition event
The Musée du Louvre is devoting an exhibition to Pharaoh Taharqa, former king of Napata, ancient capital of a vast kingdom in Nubia (present-day Sudan), from April 27 to July 25, 2022. An opportunity to learn more about one of the best-known rulers of his time. [Read more]
Join us on a unique journey, an immersive virtual reality experience, as we discover one of the seven wonders of the world. Khéops Horizon is back in Paris, and awaits us at Bercy Village from November 11, 2023. [Read more]
But that is not all! History fans know it, the Louvre houses an incredible collection devoted to ancient Egypt. One can enjoy representation of Egyptian gods, boat sculptures, ancient furniture, jewels, the famous Scribe lay, and of course sarcophagus, mummies, and canopic jars…
When walking around Paris, you can also discover lots of decoration and monument element shining a light on ancient Egypt. Of course, the Louvre is once again in the limelight for the famous glass pyramid. And when walking across the Tuileries garden, you can discover a statue representing the Nile, the river streaming across Egypt and a statue of Sphinx.
By the way, there are lots of sphinges in Paris: about a hundred. In front of the musée de la Légion d’Honneur, on the façade of 31 boulevard Edgar Quinet, in the 14th arrondissement, at the entrance of the Fieubet hotel particulier, or in the courtyard of the Musée Picasso… There are everywhere!
But you cannot miss the Luxor Obelisks without giving it a look. Set in the middle of the place de la Concorde, it towers towards the sky and the gilts shine in the sun. The Châtelet fountain (1st arrondissement) and the Fellah fountain (7th arrondissement) are famous in Paris and draw inspiration from Egyptian archeological sites.
There are also traces of this French passion on the monument of the Human Rights, on the Champ-de-Mars, at the passage du Caire and on the Place du Caire (2nd arrondissement), and of course, as a decorative piece of the famous Louxor movie theater.
Finish your tour at the Père-Lachaise cemetery. Have a moment to admire Jean-François Champollion’s grave, the first Egyptologist to decipher the hieroglyphs, resting in a grave shaped as an obelisk. In the same cemetery, discover the graves of Maréchal André Masséna and Jean-Louis Sacchet, both inspired by ancient Egypt monuments.
Well, friends, are you ready for a walk in Paris looking for Egyptian treasures?
Pharaoh of the Two Lands at the Louvre, our photos of the exhibition event
L'Horizon de Khéops, an immersive VR journey into the heart of a pyramid, at Bercy Village
