The Italian Cooperation in Egypt supports the local counterparts in environmental protection and preservation and promotion of historical, archaeological and cultural heritage.
In detail, a project has been launched to rehabilitate the collection of the Cairo Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which was damaged in 2014. The MIA is considered one of the most important in the world for its exceptional collection of rare objects made of wood, plaster, metal, ceramics, glass, crystal, and textiles. The Ministry of Antiquities and the implementing agency, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have selected three other museums to participate in the project, in addition to the MIA, namely The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), the Gayer Anderson Museum, and the El Manial Palace Museum. This network of museums will benefit from theoretical and “on-the-job” trainings in museum management and restoration. In addition, the project includes the restoration and exhibition of emblematic objects. As for the communication and visibility part, the initiative will support the use of digital technologies and the creation of a mobile application and a social media page to promote the Islamic art collections of the selected museums.
In addition, an initiative entitled “Supporting and Promoting the Protection of Egyptian Cultural Heritage through the Preservation of the Ramesside Tomb of Tell El Maskhuta” has been funded through the Commodity Aid and its activities will start soon.