Ancient Egypt Comes Alive at the de Young

Event: Treasures of the Pharaoh Opening at The de Young
Date: July 30, 2026
Location: de Young Museum, SF
Photos: Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography

On Thursday, July 30, more than 500 donors, lenders, and exhibition sponsors, civic leaders and distinguished guests gathered at the de Young museum to celebrate the opening of Treasures of the Pharaohs, a landmark exhibition showcasing the splendor of ancient Egypt.

Guests enjoyed private gallery access, a cocktail reception with light bites, and live entertainment, with floral arrangements provided by Found Floral. The evening featured welcome remarks from Tom Campbell, Director and CEO, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and His Excellency Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially open the exhibition.

Attendees were among the first to see the world of the pharaohs come to life through 130 exquisite works spanning 3,000 years of history. From monumental stone statues to gilded masks to intricate gold jewelry, these objects revealed the power, beauty, and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians — including the elaborate rituals created to prepare for the afterlife. Many of the objects had never before been shown in the United States, including newly unearthed pieces from the Golden City. Together, these artifacts illuminated one of history’s most extraordinary civilizations.
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​Notable attendees:
​Zahi Hawass – Exhibition catalogue author and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
​H. E. Consul General Ambassador Dr. Hossam Eldeen Aly and son, Daniel Lurie – Mayor of San Francisco, Eleni Kounalakis – Lieutenant Governor of California, Ned Segal – Chief of Housing and Economic Development, City and County of San Francisco, Matthe, Goudeau – Executive Director of Arts and Culture for the Arts Commission, ​Cheryl Haines – Gallerists, Yurie and Carl Pascarella – Museum patrons, Mo and John Pritzker – Museum patrons