The next day in Turin, I headed off to the world’s largest Egyptian museum outside of Egypt. Established in 1824 at the university based on a private collection plus the collection the university already had. I knew from reading that this was a large collection but wow, is it ever. And there are thousands of day to day objects missing from many other collections. Not everyone was a pharaoh and those objects help give a sense of what it could have been like for regular people. Egyptian history is fascinating.
First, I had to get there and this is what I found outside the apartment. It was coolish too. Was starting to wonder if I should just toss my cargo shorts and buy a sweater to take its place in my small bag.
You might notice how heavy the rain is in the above shot. It’s taken just outside this mall when it started coming down. The mall is kinda purdy. This was more of a business mall where the lawyers, accountants, and realtors hung out. Still, pretty building.
Than the rain let off and I quickly hoofed it over to the entrance to the museum. Check the 1st link above for a view of the front of the museum. Portico is not deep enough to keep dry under with the slight wind we were having that day so I didn’t hang out and take pictures. Got right inside. There was a velvet chair inside the large doors but no one there. And I couldn’t spot a ticket office, so I just walked into the first display room. I’ve seen many styles of Egyptian paintings on rock and wood over the years, but these were by far in the best shape. 
Than this wooden sarcophagus. Pretty amazing that it’s in such terrific shape being 3500 years old and all.
By the time this sculpture was created, art was flourishing. You could make a living at it. And I’m just going to post pictures now since there’s no way I can remember specific details about all the thousands of pieces…when I can remember, I’ll let you know.
I do remember this statue were of a man and wife. They did have money, but weren’t related to the pharaoh or family. They were well off enough to have a rock tomb, a few artifacts that weren’t stolen, and some paintings along with this.
It was interesting to see how many of these artifacts were of and about women. Usually in magazine spreads on ancient Egypt, that’s not stressed at all.
Is that your mummy?
And cats get the royal treatment sometimes too. There was an entire display case that took up a whole wall of the museum with cats, cat statues, cat sarcophagi. Even letters to cats.
I thought this linen piece was very nice. And in incredible shape thousands of years after it was made and put in a tomb.
This bed was really cool. But I’m not sure I’d like the stiff pillow.
Well, that’s all for that trip. In my wanders around this portion of the museum I did find the ticket office and paid for my ticket so they didn’t lose money. After 6 or so hours, I headed back out and found the cafe Giulia told me about, one of her favorites. Very nice, had coffee and a snack. Stopped at a tiny food store and bought a couple nights worth of dinners plus some beer, then headed back to the apartment to cook and relax.
I’m not much into night life anymore but I’m sure they have fun around here. There were several small bars in the neighborhood where I was staying. Instead of going out though, I did start doing my research on where to go next. I had all of Europe at my feet and was pretty excited at the prospect of going virtually anywhere.
Meanwhile, I was still enjoying Turin. So much so, later that evening I asked Giulia & Marco if I could stay another night. They agreed and since we weren’t going through Airbnb, we all saved money since neither they or I had to pay any fees. Then I headed to the bank. It had an ATM and I needed some cash. ANNNDDD of course my cards didn’t work. Sh1t. So went back to the apartment, hooked up my Android phone and called one bank. They just needed verification that I was indeed in Europe and following the itinerary I’d already given them. GAH! Then called my other bank…after a frustrating hour screwing around, finally reached them and had them turn my two cards with them back on.
Damn. OK, well, all’s well again. Went on down to the ATM and the cards worked again. Yea. Finally got my money, and after all that, went ahead and treated myself to a few beers. Yum.
Next time, more museums in Turin. Or as the Italians call it, Torino.
[Note: I’m sad to report that on this date, Feb. 27, 2015, ISIL decided to destroy thousands of years of human history in Iraq museums. This video, if it stays linked, is about the museum in Mosul, Iraq. Ignorant assholes destroy humanities past. As a student of history, I’m sickened to the core with the wanton destruction of our heritage.]
Once again a superb job of capturing our attention, my friend. A hearty thank you for providing images from a museum I wasn’t aware of and likely will never have the opportunity to visit myself. I don’t recall seeing such an array of artifacts on any documentary on PBS, History, or NGS broadcast over the years, but then we never made it to the Tutankhamun exhibit when it was in Portland a few years ago. Had we done so, perhaps we’d have been aware of all these other types of sarcophagus’ and accoutrements.
I really appreciate your including such parts of your “grand European adventure” in your blog. It’s been very enlightening. Keep ’em coming Dude!
Thanks, Joel. I’ve seen the King Tut exhibit twice now and it’s been worth it both times, despite the overbearing security. You should go if you get another chance. The museum in Turin has been on my bucket list for a couple decades, after Ciro, since sadly tourists have been a target in Egypt. Glad I visited. I’ve already posted another episode from Europe. Hope you enjoy it.