The Gallery of the Kings Museo Egizio / OMA + Andrea Tabocchini Architecture

The Gallery of the Kings, which houses a collection of colossal statues from the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes (modern-day Luxor), has long been the highlight of any visit to the Museo Egizio. Remodeled by set designer Dante Ferretti in 2006, the gallery was transformed into an exquisite black box. As the museum approaches its 200th anniversary, the task of renovating the gallery raises important questions: While these historic artifacts are highlighted as the centerpieces of a contemporary museum, can their original context still be conveyed? Can the gallery captivate a broad audience while imparting deep historical knowledge?