While the Mona Lisa may draw the biggest crowds, the Louvre’s Department of Egyptian Antiquities offers an equally captivating journey into a distant past. Housing one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian artifacts, spanning from 4,000 BC to the 4th century AD, these galleries provide a profound glimpse into the life, beliefs, and artistry of ancient Egypt.
Guarded by the impressive Great Sphinx of Tanis (circa 2000 BC) at its entrance, the collection unfolds over approximately 30 rooms. Here, you can marvel at intricately decorated sarcophagi, actual mummies, and precious papyrus scrolls like the Book of the Dead. Masterpieces such as “The Seated Scribe,” a remarkably lifelike painted limestone statue, and colossal statues of pharaohs and deities, showcase the skill and spiritual depth of Egyptian artisans.
The collection also includes everyday objects – tools, jewelry, games, and musical instruments – offering insights into the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. You can even step inside the reconstructed Chapel of the Tomb of Akhethotep, dating back to around 2400 BCE. Exploring these galleries is like stepping back thousands of years, offering a rich and less-crowded experience compared to the museum’s more famous wings.
