How have things shaped human experience in Modern Egypt? And what are the objects produced and used by Egyptians during the past century? How do Egyptians shape the materiality of things and how have things shaped the identities of Egyptians? 

The British Museum’s Modern Egypt Project aims to map the relationship between people and things in Egypt’s recent history. The project is building a collection of objects that can help illustrate the materiality of life in Modern Egypt.

The project launches with a pop-up installation of objects from the past century at downtown Cairo's Kodak Passageway Space from October 12 to 19, including a three-day series of talks from October 14 to 16. The program will be as follows:

12 October The installation is open to the public. Daily opening hours during the week of the installation are from 12pm to 8pm.

14 October Official launch of the Modern Egypt Project begins with introductory remarks by the project curator, Mohamed Elshahed, followed by two presentations on behalf of the Women’s Museum Project by the Women and Memory Forum, and the Downtown Museum by Al-Ismaelia for Real Estate. The presentations will be followed by a discussion focused on the use of everyday material culture in these various museum projects.

15 October Artist Huda Lutfi will speak about the incorporation of everyday objects in her work. Presentation will be followed by discussion.

16 October Collector Amgad Naguib will speak about processes of collecting objects pertaining to Egypt’s recent history. Discussion will focus on the acquisition of objects and the marketplace for Egypt’s modern heritage.

All events start at 7pm at Kodak Passageway Space at 20 Adly Street, Downtown. The space for the installation and discussions is generously provided by Al-Ismaelia for Real Estate. The reception after the event on 14 October is provided by the British Council, Cairo.