Cairo: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement that the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat, Cairo, has seen a surge in the number of local and international visitors over the past few days thanks to its new innovative Instagram filter. The filter digitally reconstructs incomplete ancient Egyptian artefacts which have not survived fully due to damage, decay, or human activity. The cutting-edge technology allows visitors to scan QR codes near specific artefacts to view statues, carvings, and other objects restored to their original shapes and vibrant colours.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the statement noted that combining in-person exploration with digital re-imagining aims to engage local and international audiences and provide dynamic and ever-improving services. “It is an exciting journey through history for visitors,” NMEC Executive Director El-Tayeb Abbas said, according to the statement. Abbas said the use of this technology allows visitors to i
nteract with artefacts in modern ways, adding intrigue and allure to the historical narrative while making their visit enjoyable and engaging.
The Instagram filter is part of the Revival Project, a recently launched collaborative initiative between the tourism ministry and Meta. The project aims to revive artefacts, raise younger audiences’ awareness about Egyptian heritage on social media, and attract more visitors to explore Egyptian civilization. NMEC has meticulously prepared all necessary arrangements to ensure visitors fully enjoy this experience and enhance their engagement through technology.
As of October 2024, Instagram users in Egypt have reached approximately 19.4 million, representing 16.9 percent of the population. NMEC, inaugurated in Cairo in 2021, is the first museum in Egypt and the Arab world dedicated to showcasing the full spectrum of Egyptian heritage, from prehistoric eras to modern times. Among its remarkable exhibits are the royal mummies, which are displayed using advanced technolo
gy to explore their hidden details and shed light on the ancient rituals and beliefs linked to mummification.