The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation is to open next year

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) overlooks Ain Al-Sira Lake in the heart of Egypt's first Islamic Capital, Al-Fustat, is totally different from how it was only a year ago. The NMEC's main building is nearing completion along with its galleries, corridors and various exhibition sections. Official inauguration scheduled for July 2011

It will house a whole set of monuments, among them are the Seboua Temple of Ramses II -- now on Lake Nasser; a complete façade of a Fatimid sabil ; two columns from King Djoser's temple at Saqqara; the collection of royal mummies; and the mummy of the ancient Egyptian artist Sanejem which is now on display at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.

Zahi Hawass, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, says royal mummies will be displayed in such a way to illustrate the different personalities and achievements within the social context. These would include models of relevant temples, tombs and obelisks.

Read more: Al-Ahram Weekly