Field Museum announces complete renovation of Africa and Ancient Egypt galleries
Following the groundbreaking renovation of its Native North America Hall (reopened in 2022), the Field Museum is reimagining its galleries of Africa and of Ancient Egypt.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the Field Museum and our visitors. Highlighting some of the most compelling stories of human history, these new galleries will trace the origins of humanity, explore great civilizations of Africa, and showcase thousands of years of life and death in Ancient Egypt,” says President & CEO Dr. Julian Siggers. “They will be the Field Museum’s most immersive, spectacular galleries yet.”
Dr. Foreman Bandama (Assistant Curator, African Anthropology) will lead curation for the Africa galleries, with consulting curator Dr. Emily Teeter (Emerita, Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum) leading the galleries of Ancient Egypt.
The Field has selected international design firm Haley Sharpe as exhibition design partner on this multi-year project, which will culminate in world-class, immersive galleries. Chicago-based Joy Media is serving as community engagement consultant to engage diverse audiences in this community-informed project.
“While these exhibitions were ahead of their time when they were designed over 30 years ago, it’s time for a fresh perspective,” says Jaap Hoogstraten, Head of Exhibitions at the Field. “We now know much more about how to engage with visitors.”
The “Memphis Market” section of Inside Ancient Egypt recently closed. Other portions of the exhibition, including the section displaying mummified individuals, will remain open until 2027. The Africa Hall will close this fall.
The renovation for both galleries is expected to be complete in the spring of 2028. For additional updates and closures, please visit www.fieldmuseum.org.