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History & Heritage

8.16.2021

European capital will host its Museum of the Orient

Expected by 2025, the Museum of the Orient will be established within the Strasbourg National and University Library. While a museum project has been talked about since 1970, it was finally the Ana Ziqquratim exhibition on the ancient Mesopotamian Temples which brought back the idea in 2016 . A great opportunity for the nationally renowned establishment.

The perfect location!

The BNU is a must-see site in Strasbourg: considered the second largest library in France, it receives no less than 700,000 visits a year, thanks to its 3 million documents divided over 8 floors. The history of the building itself is particular. Built in the 19th century, it became a prestigious historical monument in 2004.

The space required for the installation of the future Musée de l’Orient is estimated to be 600 square meters. This decision was taken by the scientific committee in early July 2021, which includes teachers and researchers from the Louvre, representatives of the French Ministry of Culture, and other prestigious figures.

Although the BNU remains a privileged location for the future museum, providing it with a certain position and visibility, alternative locations are being considered for an optimal location.

Eastern history in its every detail

The museum will host rich collections of works of art of all kinds and of different sources: in addition to certain selections from the library of Strasbourg, a city that already contains a number of Oriental treasures and from Alsace in general, it will also host deposits from the magnificent Louvre.A deposit is a donation, temporary or long-term, from a museum to another institution. As for the period covered, it should extend from the origins of writing (about 6,000 years ago) to the 20th century, a very large period. Such a wide period means that the works presented will be very diversified: according to the BNU’s assistant director, Emmanuel Marine, this will strengthen the links between the institutions that protect and are passionate about Oriental history. A deposit is a donation, temporary or long-term, from a museum to another institution.

As for the period covered, it should extend from the origins of writing (about 6,000 years ago) to the 20th century, a very large period. Such a wide period means that the works presented will be very diversified: according to the BNU’s deputy director, Emmanuel Marine, this will strengthen the links between the institutions that protect and are passionate about the Eastern history. According to him, “It will also allow to strengthen the links of education and research between the institutions that preserve these collections and the laboratories of the countries from which they come“.

Whether professional or amateur, this project should be of benefit to all.

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The Egyptian Museum in Cairo celebrates World Music Day!

Published on 16 August 2021

#Art

#France

#Middle-East

#Museum