The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat has unveiled Soul and Love, a poignant temporary exhibition within the Egyptian Textiles Hall.
Curated in collaboration with the Coptic Museum in Cairo, this two-month showcase celebrates the Christmas season and the dawn of the New Year, weaving together threads of art, faith, and history.
The identity of the exhibition
More than a mere collection of artifacts, Soul and Love serves as a cultural mirror, reflecting Egypt’s historic role as a cradle of religious and cultural diversity.
The exhibition’s identity is rooted in the “Spirit of Tolerance”—highlighting the human and spiritual values that have shaped Egypt’s civilizational identity across the ages. It stands as a testament to the nation’s enduring legacy of coexistence.
The artistic focus
What truly sets this exhibition apart is its focus on the Virgin Mary, a choice that carries profound spiritual and intellectual weight.
It sheds light on the inclusive nature of Egyptian civilization and its historical capacity for honoring “the Other.”
Curated highlights
Visitors are invited to view a rare and exquisite collection of Coptic masterpieces, many of which are being displayed to the public for the first time.
The showcase includes:
Sacred icons and manuscripts: Rare pieces that once graced the halls of ancient monasteries and churches.
The Virgin Mary’s birth icon: A distinguished masterpiece capturing a pivotal spiritual moment.
The Nursing Madonna: A rare stone carving depicting the Virgin Mary nursing the infant Christ—a powerful symbol of maternal tenderness and artistic richness.
