U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft hosted a multimedia exhibition in Cairo to celebrate the partnership between the U.S. government and the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE). The exhibit showcased photos and film footage highlighting efforts to preserve antiquities, supported by the U.S. government alongside the Ministry of Antiquities, with implementation 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.”
Featured at the exhibition were images of significant sites such as Luxor Temple, Sohag Red Monastery, and Bab Zuwayla. These conservation efforts are funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development in cooperation with the Ministry of Antiquities. They aim to preserve Egypt's invaluable heritage for future generations while highlighting contributions from Egyptian archaeologists, engineers, inspectors, conservators, and community members.
Since 1992, assistance valued at over $100 million has been provided by the American people through the U.S. Mission in Egypt and USAID for preserving cultural heritage sites across Old Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Sohag, and Red Sea locations. This includes $70 million directed towards projects executed by ARCE. The conservation initiatives cover a wide range of Egypt's cultural history from prehistoric times to the late Ottoman period.