Egypt’s ministry of tourism and antiquities on Monday unveiled a renovated wing of its oldest museum, which houses a 16-metre scroll unearthed last year.
The renovation marks the first phase of larger renovations to the palatial 120-year-old salmon-colored complex in central Cairo, facing the capital’s famous Tahrir Square.
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Waziry Papyrus, the centerpiece of Monday’s presentation, contains approximately 113 spells from the Book of the Dead. The museum also added modern glass enclosure and new interior lighting.
A 120-year-old Egyptian museum recently unveiled a new wing built in its first of many renovations. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
The opening ceremony of the renovated wing was presided over by Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Eissa.
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For over a decade, Egypt has built a state-of-the-art museum near the pyramids that will house tens of thousands of ancient artifacts. The Grand Egyptian Museum has cost more than $1 billion so far, and its opening date has been repeatedly delayed.
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Egypt often publicly advertises ancient discoveries to attract more tourists, a major source of foreign exchange for the cash-strapped North African country. The sector suffered a long recession after political turmoil and violence following a 2011 riot.
