Redesign of Egyptian Museum Cairo

Since its inauguration in 1902, the neo-classical edifice of the Egyptian Museum has been the home of all ancient Egyptian artefacts unearthed at the nation's archaeological sites. This has led to the overcrowding of its various galleries, even down to the basement which for most of its history had been a storeroom.

Hosni told Al-Ahram Weekly that the redesigning project would transform the Egyptian Museum into a "cultural lighthouse" that would help Egyptians to "rediscover the meaning of their identity and the features of the Egyptian personality". It will also renew the museum as an educational institution that will help revive the cultural awareness of the Egyptian people.

Zahi Hawass, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the project aimed at redesigning the museum both inside and out. "Redesigning the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir will re- envision the space in which the museum's collection will be displayed, and develop exhibitions with maximum educational impact on the public," Hawass said.