Cairo – U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft today hosted a multimedia exhibition celebrating the U.S. government’s partnership with the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE). This exhibit featured photos and film footage highlighting antiquities preservation supported by the U.S. government in partnership with the Ministry of Antiquities and implemented by ARCE.
“This exhibition focuses on the documentation, conservation, and restoration of antiquities integral to Egypt’s cultural heritage – and the heritage of humanity,” said Ambassador Beecroft. “The projects highlighted are not only part of Egypt’s cultural heritage, but also represent an important economic asset that creates jobs and income.”
The exhibition featured photos of several major sites, including the Luxor Temple, the Sohag Red Monastery, and Bab Zuwayla. Funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development in cooperation with the Ministry of Antiquities, the conservation, documentation, and training associated with these sites helps preserve Egypt’s invaluable heritage for future generations. The exhibit also highlights the successes of Egyptian archaeologists, engineers, inspectors, conservators, and community members in conserving world heritage sites for future generations and in making Egypt one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.
The American people, through the U.S. Mission in Egypt and USAID, have provided assistance valued at over $100 million since 1992 for the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Old Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Sohag, and Red Sea sites, including $70 million to projects implemented by ARCE. Conservation efforts span the full range of Egypt’s long cultural heritage from prehistoric times to the late Ottoman period and include monuments and masterpieces from every major period.