Brooklyn Museum Egyptian Collection
The Brooklyn Museum is home to one of the finest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the United States. With over 30,000 pieces, the collection offers an overview of the art, culture, and history of ancient Egypt.
History of the Collection
The Brooklyn Museum’s Egyptian collection was established in 1874. The first pieces were acquired from the Egyptian Exploration Fund and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the decades that followed, the collection grew through donations, acquisitions, and loans from private collectors and other institutions.
Highlights of the Collection
The Brooklyn Museum’s Egyptian collection includes a wide range of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including sculptures, reliefs, jewelry, amulets, mummies, and papyri. Some of the most notable pieces include:
- Statue of Sekhmet – This limestone statue of the goddess Sekhmet dates back to the 18th Dynasty (1550–1295 BC).
- Head of Amenhotep III – This limestone head dates back to the 18th Dynasty and is thought to represent Amenhotep III, one of the greatest Pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
- Mummy of Ta-Kr-Hb – This mummy dates back to the Late Period (664–332 BC). It is one of the oldest mummies in the collection and is the only one that has been unwrapped and studied.
Exhibitions
The Brooklyn Museum’s Egyptian collection is featured in several rotating exhibitions. These include:
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity – This exhibition features over 100 objects from the Brooklyn Museum’s Egyptian collection, including mummies, jewelry, and sculptures. It also includes interactive activities and audio-visual presentations.
- The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt – This exhibition focuses on the ancient Egyptians’ quest for immortality through their art and architecture. It includes a variety of artifacts from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection, including mummies, papyri, and jewelry.
Educational Programs
The Brooklyn Museum offers a variety of educational programs for all ages related to the Egyptian collection. These include lectures, tours, workshops, and other activities. Visitors can also explore the collection through interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
Family Programs
The Brooklyn Museum offers a range of family programs that explore the ancient Egyptian culture. These include workshops and hands-on activities that explore mummies, hieroglyphics, and other aspects of the culture.
School Programs
The museum also offers educational programs for school groups. These include guided tours of the Egyptian collection and interactive activities that explore the art and culture of ancient Egypt.