Events Around the Bay
Treasures of the Ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs Debut in San Francisco
Now on view at the de Young Museum through January 31, 2027
Ancient Egypt—often described as a “cradle of civilization” – produced some of the most astounding artifacts, architecture, and cultural achievements in human history. The pharaohs ruled this society, influencing the lives of the people who served them and upholding the religious beliefs that shaped their understanding of the world and the afterlife.
“For over three thousand years, the pharaohs of ancient Egypt sat at the center of a highly sophisticated society in which kingship, religion, and visual culture were inseparable,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
“Uniting 130 remarkable works of art, ranging from monumental granite statues to delicately crafted gold jewelry, Treasures of the Pharaohs invite American audiences to explore the breadth of this civilization, from the apex of royal power to the objects of everyday life” – adds Thomas P. Campbell
Coordinated and displayed by the de Young museum’s extremely talented set designers, Treasures of the Pharaohs is divided into six sections, offering rare insights into Egyptian society and beliefs thus deepening our understanding of their world, government, and gods. “The Egyptian pharaohs were considered both deities and leaders. They ruled as kings, military leaders, and chief priests from about 3100 BC, when Egypt was unified, to 30 BC, when it was invaded by Rome,” said Renée Dreyfus, Distinguished Curator and George and Judy Marcus Curator in Charge of Ancient Art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “As the exhibition reveals, their rule depended not only on their position but also on their families, those who served them, traditional symbols of power, and the religious beliefs that shaped their world and afterlife.”
The first section is dedicated to kingship, social hierarchies, and rites that affirm the pharaoh’s immortality. The exhibition continues by exploring the social hierarchies of the people around the pharaoh, examining the roles of individuals essential to maintaining Egypt’s divine kingship. These people range from royal family members and high-ranking officials to artisans and servants. Each played a key part in supporting the pharaoh’s rule and maintaining the state. “The Egyptian pharaohs were considered both deities and leaders. They ruled as kings, military leaders, and chief priests from about 3100 BC, when Egypt was unified, to 30 BC, when it was invaded by Rome,” said Renée Dreyfus, Distinguished Curator and George and Judy Marcus Curator in Charge of Ancient Art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “As the exhibition reveals, their rule depended not only on their position but also on their families, those who served them, traditional symbols of power, and the religious beliefs that shaped their world and afterlife.”
Beyond the splendor, an exploration of daily life emphasizes the connection between life and death in Egyptian culture. Objects such as jewelry, cosmetics, tools, and furnishings will be on view, presenting an idealized portrait of the everyday. The objects demonstrate how beauty and refinement shaped life beyond the pharaoh’s circle and reveal how even the humblest objects could be elegantly designed, functional, and beautiful. Treasures of the Pharaohs concludes with a section exploring ancient Egyptian conceptions of mortality.
The exhibition was curated by Dr. Tarek El Awady, former director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Information
de Young Museum: famsf.art/go-to-de-young
50-Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in San Francisco
Photos courtesy by Lina Broydo
