The opening of Ancient Worlds in 2012 marked the centenary of the first Egypt gallery to be opened at the Museum. These three new galleries highlight our collections from Manchester and the region, and from ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome and Egypt. Ancient Worlds showcases the best of our outstanding archaeology collections and reveals the people behind the objects: who made them, who used them, who lost and re-discovered them, who collected, classified and interpreted them.
The first gallery is about our relationship with the past, how we know about it through a wide range of archaeological techniques, and how our understanding is coloured by the world today. It is about discovery and exploration: a stimulating 'Resource Centre' full of intriguing information.
The second gallery takes visitors on a journey through the landscape, customs and practices of the ancient Egyptians. The new displays bring this key period and place to life in a dramatic and thought-provoking way.
The third gallery reveals the full richness of our archaeology collections. Dense displays allow a broader range of objects to be on show. Imaginative grouping of artefacts invite you to consider new approaches to understanding the past.
The Ancient Worlds galleries are supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Monument Trust, The Headley Trust, The Stavros Niarchos Foundation, The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, The Barker Foundation, The Charlotte Bonham-Carter Charitable Trust, Manchester Ancient Egypt Society and by the exhibition Tutankhamun-His Tomb And His Treasures.