The history of ancient Egypt has long been a source of fascination for many people, and this spring families are invited to experience the wonders of this civilization in Montreal.
On April 20, Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s Archaeology and History Museum, launches the exhibition Splendours of Egypt. Three Millennia on the Nile. A North American exclusive, the museum will have more than 320 objects from the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) in Turin, Italy.
One of the most remarkable and influential cultures in human history, the ancient civilization of Egypt flourished for more than 3,000 years. During this time, Egyptians excelled in the fields of architecture, art, and science, many of which continue to inspire people today.
Covering the years up to the Roman conquest, the exhibition will feature an up-to-date and close-up look at the history of ancient Egypt and its inhabitants through the collection of artifacts that reflect their life — and death. Work tools, everyday items, and jewelry will be shown alongside sculptures and statues, sarcophagi, stelae, and mummies. Fishermen, artisans, farmers, scribes, priests, and pharaohs — the exhibition will shine a light on the way in which Egyptian society and power was organized, as well as on the central role that people played in the emergence of this civilization.
Decorative elements representing the four sons of Horus
© Museo Egizio
Ongoing exhibitions
Families may also want to check out Favourites! Our Collections on Display. This exhibition has more than 8,000 objects, 1,700 photographs, and thousands of rare books, works of art, posters and postcards that tell the story of Montreal’s economy, navigation systems, sports, arts and culture. Visitors can relive key events in the city’s history like Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympic Games, and its transportation evolution from the horse to the REM. An interactive quiz and games encourage visitors of all ages to delve into the city’s history. No visit is complete without seeing the multimedia show Generations MTL, which plays every 30 minutes and tells the history of Montreal.
Pirates or Privateers? Laura Dumitriu © Pointe-à-Callière, Cité d’archéologie et d’histoire de Montréal.
Always a family favourite for us is the permanent Pirates or Privateers? exhibition. This interactive experience for young people allows them to climb aboard the ship D’Iberville , test their sea-faring skills, and discover if they’ve got what it takes to be privateers.
Memory Collector. Stéphane Brügger © Pointe-à-Callière, Cité d’archéologie et d’histoire de Montréal
Put aside most of the day to tour the museum, because there’s a lot to see. If you plan on visiting more than once this year, consider becoming a member. It costs $30 for individuals for all of 2023 (just $4 more than the price of a single admission ticket), and family memberships are available for $60 (for up to five people).
Splendours of Egypt. Three Millennia on the Nile runs from April 20 to October 15, 2023.
Visit pacmusee.qc.ca for museum hours, fees, and directions.
