Exhibition: Before the Pyramids: The Origins of Egyptian Civilization

Chicago Now

Chicago, Monday, March 21, 2011. A new exhibition, "Before the Pyramids: The Origins of Egyptian Civilization", opens Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Oriental Institute Museum. Nearly 130 artifacts from the Predynastic and Early Dynastic periods (ca. 4000-2685 BC) in Egypt will be showcased in the exhibit.

The exhibition offers visitors a rare look at beautifully constructed statues, vessels, figurines and other artifacts that document the birth of the most fundamental aspects of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

"It has been decades since there was an exhibit devoted to earliest Egypt," said Gil Stein, director of the Oriental Institute. "By showing us the origins of the Egyptian state, this gem of an exhibit only enhances our sense of wonder at the later achievements of this civilization when it reached its zenith."