An immersive journey into Ancient Egypt

History enthusiasts and lovers of ancient civilizations are in for a treat this July, as Eden Cinemas presents Uomini e Dei – Le Meraviglie del Museo Egizio (Men and Gods: The Wonders of the Egyptian Museum), a visually stunning and intellectually enriching documentary that delves deep into the heart of one of the world's most prestigious museums; the Museo Egizio in Turin.

Renowned as the world’s oldest museum dedicated entirely to ancient Egyptian culture, the Museo Egizio attracts over 900,000 visitors annually, making it the fifth most visited museum in Italy. It houses more than 40,000 artifacts, 12,000 of which are on public display across four floors. From towering sphinxes and colossal statues to intricate amulets and elaborately decorated sarcophagi, the museum tells a story that spans nearly 4,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Uomini e Dei – Le Meraviglie del Museo Egizio.

Among its most extraordinary treasures is the Turin King List, also known as the Papyrus of Kings, which is the only surviving document listing the succession of pharaohs handwritten on papyrus. The museum also boasts the Goldmine Papyrus, regarded as one of the oldest known maps in human history. Key sculptures include statues of the priest Anen, the mighty Ramesses II, and the divine figure Isis of Coptos. A particularly poignant part of the museum’s collection is the tomb of Kha and his wife Merit—Kha was a chief architect responsible for royal tombs, and his burial site offers rare insight into funerary practices and beliefs surrounding the afterlife in ancient Egypt.

Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeremy Irons, this film is far more than a showcase of remarkable objects. It offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the work of curators, conservators, and international scholars who continue to unlock the secrets of this ancient world. Featured in the documentary are Museo Egizio President Evelina Christillin and Director Christian Greco, along with an array of experts and curators including Cédric Gobeil, Susanne Toepfer, Paolo Del Vesco, Federico Poole, and Enrico Ferraris. Their insights are complemented by the perspectives of international Egyptologists from renowned institutions such as the British Museum, the Louvre, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and Berlin’s Ägyptisches Museum.

This documentary also shines a light on the extraordinary collaboration between the Museo Egizio and more than 90 scientific partners across the globe, including universities, research centres, and cultural institutions. Such partnerships have expanded the understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and continue to fuel new discoveries.

The origins of the Museo Egizio itself are steeped in European history. The core of the museum’s collection dates back to the early 19th century, largely assembled by Bernardino Drovetti, a Piedmontese diplomat in the service of Napoleon, who sold his collection to the House of Savoy. The collection was further enriched by archaeological expeditions led by Ernesto Schiaparelli and Giulio Farina in the early 20th century. The film explores this intriguing question, tracing the cultural and political motivations that led to the founding of a museum unlike any other.

Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeremy Irons, this film is far more than a showcase of remarkable objects.

The documentary takes viewers on a virtual journey down the Nile, retracing the steps of early explorers and archaeologists like Donati, Drovetti, and Schiaparelli. It visits key excavation sites such as Giza, Thebes, and the village of Deir el-Medina—home to the artisans who built the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The film also delves into the mid-16th century, when the ruling House of Savoy sought to elevate Turin’s status by linking its origins to ancient Egypt, even replacing the city’s traditional bull symbol with that of the Egyptian god Apis.

A highlight of the documentary is the immersive retelling of Kha’s journey to the afterlife, guided by passages from the Book of the Dead. From the ritual of mummification to the judgement before Osiris, the film brings ancient beliefs to life through exceptional storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Uomini e Dei – Le Meraviglie del Museo Egizio promises a compelling cinematic experience. Screenings will take place at Eden Cinemas on Wednesday, 9th July, and Sunday, 13th July. Don’t miss the opportunity to step into the world of the immortals and explore the treasures of ancient Egypt like never before.

Get your tickets here: https://www.edencinemas.com.mt/uomini-e-dei-le-meraviglie-del-museo-egizio