Egyptian treasures return to Miramare: the 19th-century collection of

Exhibition at Miramare: the return of Egyptian artifacts

From 2 April to 1 November 2026 the Museo storico e Parco del Castello di Miramare stages a major exhibition dedicated to the Egyptian collection assembled by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. The project is the result of an international collaboration that includes the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and loans from the Civico Museo d’Antichità J.J. Winckelmann in Trieste.

Collection, curatorship and exhibition route

The show, curated by leading specialists in archaeology and museology, displays more than one hundred artifacts that illuminate both ancient Egyptian history and 19th-century European collecting practices. The presentation in the Stables of the Castle focuses on Maximilian’s role as a collector and patron.

• Provenance: items acquired by the Archduke from the 1850s onward.
• Curatorship: a research-driven project combining archival materials and historical cataloguing.
• Loans: partnerships with international institutions and local museums to reconstruct the collection’s history.

Education and inclusion

The exhibition includes an educational program designed to provide active and inclusive learning experiences. Activities target different age groups and combine storytelling, hands-on workshops and guided observation of artifacts.

• Hands-on and sensory workshops for primary and secondary school students.
• Themed routes on symbols, materials and artistic techniques of ancient Egypt.
• Teacher workshops and resources to integrate the visit into the school curriculum.

Conservation, security and cultural impact

International loans are managed under strict conservation and security protocols to ensure the artifacts’ integrity. The exhibition prompts reflection on the museum’s evolving role, from private collection to public and educational institution.

Institutional collaboration highlights the value of international networks for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, enabling temporary returns of objects historically connected to the region.

Practical information

Venue: Museo storico e Parco del Castello di Miramare, Trieste. Dates: 2 April - 1 November 2026. Guided visits and school programs are best arranged by booking through the museum’s official channels.