About Gregorian Egyptian Museum

The Museo Gregoriano Egizio, or the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, is one of the most important museums in Vatican City. It is named after Pope Gregory XVI, who founded the museum in the early 19th century. The museum houses a significant collection of ancient Egyptian art and artefacts, which are considered to be some of the most important pieces in the world. The museum is located in the Vatican's Belvedere Palace, which was originally built for Pope Innocent VIII in the late 15th century. The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects, including mummies, sarcophagi, stelae, and other funerary objects. It also has a collection of papyri, which contain some of the oldest surviving examples of written language from ancient Egypt.


One of the highlights of the museum is the statue of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, which dates back to the Ptolemaic period. Another notable artefact is the Book of the Dead of Nakht, which is a funerary text that was buried with the deceased and was intended to guide them through the afterlife. The museum also houses several artefacts that were collected during the excavations of ancient Egyptian sites, including the temple of Karnak. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to explore ancient Egyptian culture and history through its impressive collection of artefacts. The museum is well laid out and includes informative labels in both Italian and English, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. The Museo Gregoriano Egizio is an essential stop for anyone interested in ancient Egypt, and it is a testament to the rich cultural history of Vatican City.

Explore Gregorian Egyptian Museum

Epigraphic Artefacts
Epigraphic Artefacts

One of the main attractions of the museum is the extensive collection of epigraphic artefacts, which include inscriptions and hieroglyphs carved onto the stone and other materials. These artefacts offer a fascinating insight into the language and writing systems of ancient Egypt, and visitors can see examples of everything from royal decrees and religious texts to funerary inscriptions.


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Funerary customs of Ancient Egypt
Funerary customs of Ancient Egypt

Another major focus of the museum is the funerary customs of ancient Egypt. The museum features many exhibits related to this topic, including mummies, coffins, and other funerary objects. Visitors can learn about the complex rituals and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt, and see examples of the ornate decorations and intricate designs that were used to adorn the tombs of pharaohs and other important figures.


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Reconstruction of the Serapeum
Reconstruction of the Serapeum

The Museo Gregoriano Egizio also houses a reconstruction of the Serapeum of the Canopus of Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli. This impressive structure was originally built by the Roman emperor Hadrian as a sanctuary to the god Serapis, and the museum's reconstruction allows visitors to see the complex architecture and intricate decorations that characterized this unique building.


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Egypt and Rome
Egypt and Rome

Egypt and Rome is another key theme of the Gregorian Egyptian Museum. Visitors can see examples of the fascinating cross-cultural exchange that took place between these two ancient civilizations, as well as artefacts that illustrate the lasting influence of Egyptian art and culture on the Roman Empire.


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Statuary
Statuary

Statuary is also a major feature of the Gregorian Egyptian Museum. The museum features a range of sculptures, from small statuettes to monumental works, that provide a glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Egypt. Visitors can admire the intricate details of these works, from the stylized forms of the gods and goddesses to the realistic depictions of ordinary people.


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Terrace of the Niche
Terrace of the Niche

The Terrace of the Niche is another highlight of the Gregorian Egyptian Museum. This outdoor space features a beautiful garden and several ancient Egyptian artefacts, including a large statue of the god Horus. The peaceful setting provides a serene backdrop for visitors to reflect on the wonders of ancient Egypt.


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The Carlo Grassi Collection
The Carlo Grassi Collection

The Carlo Grassi Collection is a recent addition to the Museo Gregoriano Egizio, and features a range of objects related to the ancient city of Alexandria. Visitors can see examples of the city's famous architecture, as well as everyday objects that offer a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants.


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Alexandria and Palmyra
Alexandria and Palmyra

Alexandria and Palmyra are two ancient cities that are represented in the collection of the Museo Gregoriano Egizio. Visitors can see examples of the unique art and architecture of these cities, as well as artefacts that illustrate the cultural and economic connections that existed between ancient Egypt and other parts of the world.


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Antiquities of the Ancient Near East
Antiquities of the Ancient Near East

Gregorian Egyptian Museum is home to a collection of antiquities from the ancient Near East. This includes reliefs and inscriptions from Assyrian palaces, as well as other artefacts from this important region. Visitors can see examples of the elaborate decorative schemes and monumental architecture that characterized ancient Near Eastern civilizations, and learn about their contributions to human history.


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FAQs Of Gregorian Egyptian Museum Vatican

What is Gregorian Egyptian Museum?

    Museo Gregoriano Egizi is a museum in Vatican City located inside the Vatican Museums that holds a collection of over 20,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts, making it one of the most important collections of Egyptian antiquities outside of Egypt. The museum was founded in the 19th century by Pope Gregory XVI, who was an avid collector of Egyptian artefacts.

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