(Yicai) July 9 -- The Shanghai Museum will host the world's largest exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside the North African country from July 18 this year through Aug. 17 next year.

The "Top of the Pyramids: Ancient Egyptian Civilization Exhibition" will include 788 exhibits from various Egyptian museums, such as the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, with over 95 percent coming to Asia for the first time. 

Statues of Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and other pharaohs, mummy coffins, queens' gold jewelry, and newly discovered artifacts in Saqqara, including painted wooden coffins, animal mummies, and statues, will go on display.

"The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization has a rich collection, and we only borrowed some of it," Chu Xioabo, head of the Shanghai Museum, said at a press conference yesterday. "This is the first time a Chinese museum borrows so many artifacts."

The exhibition will have three themes, noted its Chief Curator Yan Haiying. Pharaohs' Country will comprehensively introduce the ancient history of the Egyptian civilization, Tutankhamen's World will use the pharaoh as a clue to interpret ancient Egypt's views of kingship, burial customs, and significant historical changes, and Saqqarah's Secrets will showcase Egypt's latest archaeological achievements, Yan pointed out.

The Shanghai Museum has also planned several events to enhance visitors' experience. "The Meow of Museum Night" will allow people to enjoy the exhibition with their pet cats, while the museum has also allied with a local metaverse brand to build a virtual reality exhibition hall, enabling immersive exploration and experience of the Pyramid of Khufu.

The Egyptian artifacts exhibition will be the biggest special exhibition the Shanghai Museum has hosted since its establishment in 1952.

Editors: Zhang Yushuo, Martin Kadiev