Aug05
Published by Asya in Africa, Arts, Cities, Cultural, Egypt, History, Monuments, Museums
Located in the area of Cairo called Mar Girgis, where many of the oldest Coptic churches and Jewish synagogues can be found, the Coptic Museum is a small museum hosting the world’s largest collection of Coptic Christian artwork. Founded by Marcus Simaika Pasha in 1910, the museum displays the history of Coptic Christianity in Egypt from its beginnings to the present day. It is a significant aspect of Egyptian history as its emergence marked the end of pagan religion and the birth of Islam in Egypt.
Coptic monuments display the different types of artistic materials used to create the art which include a rich mixture of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman traditions, linking ancient and Islamic Egypt. The collection includes many exquisite works of art, as well as some artifacts notable for their religious syncretism, Christian scenes incorporating Egyptian gods, and ancient Egyptian columns transformed into baptismal fonts. And while Western tourists are not typically aware of its existence, it is a site worth seeing for those interested in Egypt’s early Christian history.
The objects are grouped into different mediums, such as stonework, woodwork, metalwork, textiles and manuscripts. The total number of objects on display is about 15,000 objects. The first floor has carved stone and stucco, frescoes, and woodwork. The second floor includes textiles, manuscripts, icons, and metalwork. With the largest collection of Egyptian Christian artifacts in the world, the Coptic Museum in Cairo is a must-see for visitors interested in Christian art or Egyptian history after the pharaohs.
Note: Cameras are not allowed in the interior of the building.
