At a recent event at the Ministry of Antiquities, Ambassador Stephen Beecroft and Minister Mamdouh Eldamaty announced the opening of the Kiman Faris Open Air Museum in Karanis. The museum is a collaborative effort supported by both the United States and Egyptian governments, along with ARCHiNOS Architecture based in Cairo.
During the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to view a 55-photo exhibit showcasing work done at Karanis over two years. A short documentary film titled "A Glimpse of a Lost City" was also presented. Ambassador Beecroft remarked that “this project shows how appreciating cultural heritage is one of the best ways to foster understanding between nations and peoples.”
Karanis, located in Kom Aushim north of Fayyum city, was historically significant as an agricultural settlement during Greek and Roman times. The museum features rare artifacts from ancient Fayyum, dating back to periods such as the Middle and New Kingdoms under rulers like Amenemhat III around 3,850 years ago and Ramses II.
The U.S. Embassy contributed $97,000 to this initiative through the "Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation," which is part of a global competition by the U.S. Department of State across more than 100 countries. This project in Karanis is among several efforts funded by the U.S., in collaboration with Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities and other partners, aimed at preserving Egypt's ancient sites.