A new exhibit is set to open at the Art Institute of Chicago on February 11. This showcase is centered around ancient Egyptian life and culture. Unlike other seasonal exhibits, this is exihbit is here to stay! Compared to the other exhibits at the Art Institute, this special Egyptian showcase will be centered around the history and life of the Egyptian people. 

     The “Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt” exhibit features more than one hundred objects and pieces of ancient Egyptian art. This collection includes pieces relating to Egyptian life, death, afterlife, and the process of mummification. Several mummy tombs are the highlight of the exhibit. Egyptian art is based on religious beliefs; it is not all the same. Most of the artists of Egyptian art remain unknown to this day. The Egyptian people wanted to be seen as an elite union of people who thrive in terms of technological advancements. Egyptian art is fascinating to people everywhere because it is so particular to their culture. 

     The Egyptians wanted to “live forever.” Their primary goal was to preserve sacred human bodies in a burial technique called mummification. The corpses of humans would be dehydrated, then wrapped up in linen cloth to be preserved in tombs. However, the Egyptians believed in other rituals other than mummification. There are significant differences between the economically poor and rich tombs of the Egyptian people. Visitors will have the chance to compare these tombs and see how they differ in various materials. These materials include wood, granite and gold. Many rich Egyptian folk would store their relatives’ mummies in beautiful pyramids. These pyramids served as a safe and protected place to store the bodies. The culture of the Egyptian people is so interesting and if you enjoyed the Egyptian exhibit at The Field Museum, this will definitely be an interesting art showcase.

     The “Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt” exhibit will be an impressive addition to the Art Institute of Chicago. The public is ambitious and excited to learn about the ancient history of the Egyptian people. Guests visiting the museum will have to show proof of their vaccination card to enter. It opened February 11, so mark your calendars to explore the ancient life of the Egyptian people through their culture!