Mummies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs to march through Cairo’s streets

This weekend, the mummies of Egypt's royal pharaohs will leave their resting places and march through Cairo's streets on a quest for a new home.

Though it sounds like a scene from a movie, this is part of a grand celebration of Egypt’s rich history, as well as a project to transport some of its most famous treasures to a state-of-the-art facility.

On Saturday, the mummies of Ramses the Great and 21 other pharaohs will take center stage in 'The Pharaoh’s Golden Parade,' a spectacular event organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Reports suggest the celebrations will feature horse-drawn chariots, choirs performing in ancient tongues, and appearances from celebrities and dignitaries, though Egyptian authorities have kept many event details under wraps.

'It’s a surprise,' says Ahmed Ghoneim, executive director of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which will house the mummies’ final resting place, in an interview with Dinogo.

Despite the element of surprise, it's difficult to keep such a grand event under wraps, especially after dress rehearsals were held in central Cairo. Eager Egyptians captured images of the specially designed mummy transport vehicles, adorned with golden ancient motifs, and quickly shared them on social media.

The Grand Move

The parade’s purpose is to relocate 18 Egyptian kings and four queens, along with their coffins and personal belongings, from the Egyptian Museum to their new home.

The mummies will be transported five kilometers (three miles) south to their new high-tech home at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).

This is not the expansive Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which is also set to open later this year. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is a distinct museum located in Cairo's Fustat neighborhood, adding to the trio of must-visit Egyptian-themed museums in and around Cairo.

While the NMEC partially opened in 2017, the parade will mark its official grand opening.

'This is a presidential inauguration,' says Ghoneim, highlighting the completion of the Hall of Royal Mummies, which promises to offer a one-of-a-kind museum experience.

'It’s not just about the mummies themselves, it’s about how they are presented… It’s about storytelling, the atmosphere, and the sense of immersion you feel when you walk in,' he adds.

Ghoneim explains that visitors to the Hall of Royal Mummies will feel as though they are stepping into a tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

All 22 royal mummies come from the New Kingdom, a period when tombs were built underground with secret entrances to protect them from grave robbers. This era is about 600 years and worlds apart from the earlier Old Kingdom, whose rulers constructed massive pyramid tombs.

Preparing the Mummies

Dr. Mostafa Ismail, head of conservation at the Mummies Conservation Lab and Storeroom at NMEC, led a team of 48 specialists in preparing the royal mummies for their move.

The preservation process, he explains to Dinogo, involves placing each mummy in a nitrogen-filled capsule that eliminates oxygen, keeping them safe from the damaging effects of humidity, bacteria, fungi, and insects.

The capsule is cushioned with soft materials to evenly distribute pressure and minimize vibrations during transport.

Upon arrival at the NMEC, the display units will match the conditions of the nitrogen capsules. 'This ensures that there is no shock to the mummies when they are transferred from the box to the display units,' Ismail explains.

Each mummy will be accompanied by the belongings found with it, including their coffins.

The exhibits will also feature CT scans that show what lies beneath the wrappings, revealing fractures, injuries, and any diseases that affected the royal mummies.

'The primary goal is to educate visitors about how these mummies were preserved and mummified over thousands of years,' Ismail says.

When asked if his team uncovered anything new while preparing the mummies for their relocation, Ismail responded, 'A lot of things,' but refused to share any details before the parade, leaving more surprises in store.

A new cultural landmark in Cairo

While the Hall of Royal Mummies is expected to be the main attraction at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Executive Director Ahmed Ghoneim has plans to differentiate the museum from its neighboring institutions.

'I’m not focusing solely on the Pharaonic era as many would expect,' he says. 'Whenever people visit an Egyptian museum, they often anticipate seeing only the pharaohs.'

'Here, I’m taking a different approach by telling a broader story, spanning history and leading into the present day.'

The museum’s first temporary exhibition will explore the rich history of Egyptian textiles and fashion. 'We’ll cover everything from carpets to clothing,' Ghoneim adds.

Through its exhibits, the museum will offer a deeper narrative of Egypt's remarkable achievements, while also serving as a vibrant cultural hub.

'It’s a space that provides a bit of everything: part educational, part cultural, part entertainment, and even a spot for evening dining. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind place,' says Ghoneim.

Finally, after 3,234 years, Ramses II may rest in peace.

The museum will open its doors to the public on April 4, just one day after the parade, with the Hall of Royal Mummies welcoming visitors two weeks later on April 18. The Pharaoh’s Golden Parade will be broadcast live on the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ YouTube channel.