The Hong Kong Palace Museum held an artifact unveiling ceremony yesterday (Oct. 28) in the museum's atrium. As part of its upcoming special exhibition, "Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums," three monumental statues were unveiled and will be displayed in public areas starting Oct. 29.
Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, the exhibition will open to the public in Gallery 9 from Nov. 20, 2025, to Aug. 31, 2026. According to the museum's director, Dr. Louis Ng, this is the largest, most comprehensive, and longest-running exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts ever held in HK. The exhibition will showcase over 250 selected artifacts, including statues, stelae, gold objects, mummies, coffins, and animal mummies.
Among the three statues that have been unveiled, the Striding statue of Merenptah (19th Dynasty, reign of Merenptah, about 1213–1203 BCE) was unpacked and assembled in front of the media. Beginning Oct. 29, this statue will be displayed in the museum's ground-floor lobby.
According to the museum's Deputy Director for Curatorial, Collection and Programming, Dr. Daisy Wang, this statue, which stands over 2 meters tall, is the heaviest artifact in the entire exhibition. The figure is shown in a striding pose, exuding the authority, vigor, and leadership of a ruler.
Meanwhile, the Striding statue of Shepenwepet II, God’s Wife of Amun (25th Dynasty, about 747–656 BCE) will be exhibited in the second-floor atrium. This statue depicts Shepenwepet II, one of the most prominent religious leaders in ancient Egypt, dressed in a form-fitting gown and holding a fly whisk symbolizing authority in her left hand. Shepenwepet II played a vital role in temple rituals and dynastic politics, reflecting the significant religious and political status of royal women in ancient Egypt.
Also displayed in the same space will be the Seated statue of Iunit (18th Dynasty, about 1550–1295 BCE). According to Wang, Iunit was a local goddess from the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. The statue portrays her wearing a wig, seated on a chair with her hands resting naturally on her knees, holding an ankh, the symbol of life, in her right hand. Wang noted that the statue demonstrates the brilliant achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization, and starting Oct. 29, visitors will be able to admire it up close, experiencing its grand scale, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural significance.
During the exhibition, the museum will also host a series of educational activities and publications, including "Little Pharaohs Family Workshop and Tour," "Discover Pyramid Workshop," and "Create Your Own Cat Temple Workshop". Additionally, on Nov. 22, the museum will present "Bank of China (HK) Presents: HKPM SHOWTIME!", featuring Egyptian dance performances and supporting the 8th HK International Egyptian Dance Festival.
(Journalists: Zhou Yuhan, Allan; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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