OMA and Andrea Tabocchini Unveil Stunning “Gallery of the Kings” at Museo Egizio in Turin

Museo Egizio: A Legacy

The Museo Egizio in Turin, founded in 1824, is renowned as the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to Egyptian heritage outside of Egypt. Its collection began with the arrival of the Mensa Isiaca in the 1630s, and grew with pivotal acquisitions, such as the statue of Ramesses II in 1759. Contributions from Bernardino Drovetti, including the statue of Amenhotep I, further enriched the museum. The museum’s current collection, which spans over 40,000 items, includes monumental bronzes, jewelry, sarcophagi, and mummies, offering an unparalleled window into the ancient Egyptian world.

Revamping the Iconic Gallery of the Kings

The Gallery of the Kings, a key feature of the museum since 2006, was initially redesigned with a black box concept by set designer Dante Ferretti. In celebration of the museum’s 200th anniversary, a transformative renovation is underway. This redesign, led by OMA architects David Gianotten and Andreas Karavanas, in collaboration with Andrea Tabocchini Architecture, emerged after a competitive process in 2023. Scheduled for completion by 2025, the renovation aims to elevate the exhibition while preserving the gallery’s historical importance.

Immersive Experience: Darkness to Light

One of the central themes of the redesigned gallery is the Egyptian concept of transition from darkness to light, which symbolizes creation, kingship, and divinity. Visitors first encounter a darkened passage that features digital projections narrating the history of Karnak, where these statues were originally displayed. This immersive approach allows visitors to experience the statues in a historical context, before entering to brightly lit spaces that mirror the original illuminated exhibition of the statues in Karnak.

Merging Historical Restoration with Contemporary Design

The renovation incorporates the restoration of original 17th-century architectural elements, such as vaulted ceilings and high windows, enabling natural daylight to illuminate the statues as they would have been seen in their original setting. Modern design elements, such as reflective aluminum walls, subtly enhance the visual experience, creating an ethereal atmosphere that connects the ancient and modern worlds.

A Layout Inspired by Ancient Egyptian Temples

The design of the gallery follows the layout of an ancient Egyptian temple, guiding visitors through a journey of both architectural and cultural significance. The first hall mimics the temple’s outer areas, displaying sphinxes and Sekhmet statues, reminiscent of the grand processional avenues. A statue of Seti II serves as a focal point in this area. The second hall represents the temple’s inner sanctum, where Ramesses II and other monumental statues of kings and gods are presented. The experience concludes with the statues of Ptah and a ram-headed Amun, enriching the visitor’s understanding of Egyptian religious symbolism.

Enhancing the Museum’s Urban Connection

A key innovation of the renovation is the gallery’s enhanced connection with the urban landscape. New windows allow the statues to be seen by passersby on Piazza Egizia and Via Principe Amedeo, extending the museum’s influence beyond its physical boundaries. Additionally, the entryway is linked to the Arcade urban room through an arched portal, framing an ancient Lotus Column and inviting visitors into the gallery’s historical exploration.

Conclusion: A Seamless Blend of Past and Present

The newly renovated Gallery of the Kings at the Museo Egizio offers an immersive, historically rich experience that bridges ancient Egyptian culture with modern design. Through thoughtful use of natural lighting, reflective materials, and an architectural layout inspired by ancient temples, visitors are provided a deeper connection to the past. The renovation exemplifies a harmonious fusion of historical authenticity and contemporary innovation, ensuring that the museum remains a vital destination for understanding Egypt’s cultural legacy.

References List:

1. www.museoegizio.it. (n.d.). La storia del Museo – Museo Egizio. [online] Available at: https://www.museoegizio.it/scopri/storia/.
2. ‌ Airdolomiti.eu. (2024). Egyptian Museum of Turin, Italy | Air Dolomiti. [online] Available at: https://www.airdolomiti.eu/destinations/turin/destinations-turin-what-to-see/explore-the-museum-dedicated-to-egyptian-art-and-culture [Accessed 1 Dec. 2024].
3. Florian, M.-C. (2024). Designed by OMA and Andrea Tabocchini, the Gallery of the Kings in Museo Egizio Opens in Turin, Italy. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1023848/designed-by-oma-and-andrea-tabocchini-the-gallery-of-the-kings-in-museo-egizio-opens-in-turin-italy [Accessed 1 Dec. 2024].
4. Christele Harrouk (2023). OMA Wins Competition to Transform World’s Oldest Museum for the Ancient Egyptian Culture in Turin, Italy. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/995520/oma-wins-competition-to-transform-worlds-oldest-museum-for-the-ancient-egyptian-culture-in-turin-italy [Accessed 1 Dec. 2024].
5. ArchDaily. (2024). The Gallery of the Kings Museo Egizio / OMA + Andrea Tabocchini Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1023897/the-gallery-of-the-kings-museo-egizio-oma-plus-andrea-tabocchini-architecture [Accessed 1 Dec. 2024].

Images / Visuals

1. ArchDaily. (2020). Gallery of OMA Wins Competition to Transform World’s Oldest Museum for the Ancient Egyptian Culture in Turin, Italy – 11. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/995520/oma-wins-competition-to-transform-worlds-oldest-museum-for-the-ancient-egyptian-culture-in-turin-italy/63d2a13b760dd225d226f41f-oma-wins-competition-to-transform-worlds-oldest-museum-for-the-ancient-egyptian-culture-in-turin-italy-image [Accessed 1 Dec. 2024]
   
2. ArchDaily. (2024). The Gallery of the Kings Museo Egizio / OMA + Andrea Tabocchini Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1023897/the-gallery-of-the-kings-museo-egizio-oma-plus-andrea-tabocchini-architecture.
3. ‌ArchDaily. (2020). Gallery of OMA Wins Competition to Transform World’s Oldest Museum for the Ancient Egyptian Culture in Turin, Italy – 8. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/995520/oma-wins-competition-to-transform-worlds-oldest-museum-for-the-ancient-egyptian-culture-in-turin-italy/63d38532760dd21ccbef261d-oma-wins-competition-to-transform-worlds-oldest-museum-for-the-ancient-egyptian-culture-in-turin-italy-image [Accessed 1 Dec. 2024]
   
4. ArchDaily. (2020). Gallery of OMA Wins Competition to Transform World’s Oldest Museum for the Ancient Egyptian Culture in Turin, Italy – 1. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/995520/oma-wins-competition-to-transform-worlds-oldest-museum-for-the-ancient-egyptian-culture-in-turin-italy/63d29fbc76434a12607163be-oma-wins-competition-to-transform-worlds-oldest-museum-for-the-ancient-egyptian-culture-in-turin-italy-photo [Accessed 1 Dec. 2024].
5. ArchDaily. (2024). The Gallery of the Kings Museo Egizio / OMA + Andrea Tabocchini Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1023897/the-gallery-of-the-kings-museo-egizio-oma-plus-andrea-tabocchini-architecture.
6. ArchDaily. (2024). The Gallery of the Kings Museo Egizio / OMA + Andrea Tabocchini Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1023897/the-gallery-of-the-kings-museo-egizio-oma-plus-andrea-tabocchini-architecture.