The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Egyptian art. With over 26,000 pieces of art spanning 4,000 years, the Met’s Egyptian collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It contains artifacts from ancient Egypt’s major periods, from the Predynastic period through the Greco-Roman period, and includes many pieces from the tombs of the pharaohs.
Collection Highlights
The Met’s collection of Egyptian art is so vast that it is impossible to cover all the highlights. However, some of the most notable pieces include:
- The Djed Pillar of Pharaoh Djoser, a limestone pillar from the Step Pyramid Complex at Saqqara (2630–2611 BCE).
- The Temple of Dendur, a sandstone temple from the reign of Augustus (15 BCE).
- The Tutankhamun Galleries, a collection of artifacts from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun (1332–1323 BCE).
Exhibitions
The Met regularly hosts special exhibitions of its Egyptian collection. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to explore the history and art of ancient Egypt. Some of the most recent exhibitions include:
- The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt (2002–2003).
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity (2007–2008).
- Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt (2009–2010).
- The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC (2012–2013).
- Ancient Egypt Transformed: The Middle Kingdom (2015–2016).
Educational Resources
The Met offers a wide variety of educational resources related to its Egyptian collection. These include:
- Curriculum Guides for teachers and students, with lesson plans and activities.
- Online Resources such as podcasts, videos, and online exhibitions.
- Tours of the Met’s Egyptian collection, led by trained docents.
- Lectures and symposia on various topics related to ancient Egypt.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Egyptian art. From ancient artifacts to special exhibitions, the Met offers a wealth of educational resources for those interested in exploring the history and culture of ancient Egypt.