From Egypt to Milan: Buddha Statue and Berenice Artefacts Featured in Global Exhibition Exploring 1,600 Years of Cultural Exchange

Fondazione Prada's Global Antiquity exhibition brings together more than 150 artworks and archaeological objects from multiple civilisations and welcomes visitors until March 1, 2027.

The Global Antiquity exhibition in Milan, Italy, has been welcoming visitors since November 5, 2026, featuring archaeological treasures from Egypt and several Arab, Asian and European countries in a cultural experience exploring the commercial, artistic and religious connections that linked ancient civilisations across continents.

Organised by Fondazione Prada, the exhibition runs until March 1, 2027, and features more than 150 artworks and archaeological objects documenting cultural exchanges between the Mediterranean region and Asia over approximately 1,600 years, from around 600 BC to AD 1000.

Egypt is participating with three archaeological objects selected by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, including a marble statue of Buddha from the Suez Canal Authority Museum collection and two limestone stelae discovered in the Berenice area on the Red Sea coast.

The two stelae are preserved in the archaeological storage facility in Qift, Qena Governorate.

These artefacts are particularly significant because of their connections to ancient trade and cultural networks linking Egypt with regions across Asia and the Mediterranean.

Berenice was an important historical port on the Red Sea, giving the objects discovered there particular relevance to the exhibition's central theme.

According to Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the participating countries include Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Greece, Iraq, India and China.

The exhibition presents objects illustrating how goods, ideas, religious beliefs and artistic traditions travelled between geographically distant societies, challenging the conventional perception of ancient civilisations as isolated entities.

The exhibition is curated by Salvatore Settis, Anna Anguissola and Chiara Ballestrazzi, while architect Rem Koolhaas and the AMO/OMA team designed the exhibition display.

The exhibition is held in the Podium space at Fondazione Prada's Milan venue, offering visitors a visual journey connecting archaeological objects with stories of trade, migration and cultural interaction.

Its run until March 2027 provides an opportunity for travellers to include the exhibition in their Milan itineraries, particularly those interested in archaeology and the history of civilisations.

Egypt's participation gives visitors an opportunity to view archaeological objects connected to the country's commercial and cultural history outside Egyptian museums, alongside artefacts from other ancient civilisations.

The exhibition's tourism value lies in bringing the heritage of Africa, Asia and Europe together in one location, highlighting the role of ancient trade routes in exchanging ideas, artistic traditions and religious beliefs.

Visitors can find admission details, opening hours and ticket information on the official Fondazione Prada website.