By the Numbers: Excavating Egypt

March 19, 2007

Excavating Egypt: Great Discoveries from the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, which runs at the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum through July 22, traces the development of Egyptian archaeology from its beginnings in the 1880s to the present day through spectacular artwork and rare archival materials amassed by the Petrie Museum. Here are some facts and figures to help viewers understand the scope of the show.

5
Years the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum spent planning Excavating Egypt

50
Number of pedestals and special cases constructed in January for the show

1,020
Pounds of sand used to fill and stabilize pedestals

7
Gallons of Ralph Lauren “Mount Villarica” green paint applied to pedestals and museum walls

324
Estimated number of hours spent by student assistants to prepare the galleries

23
Number of wooden packing crates required to transport the 220 Petrie Museum objects on loan

150
Number of Egyptian objects in the Art Museum’s own permanent collection

6,000
Approximate age of the oldest Egyptian object on view, in years

17
Weeks of specialized training received by the museum’s volunteer docents

720
Anticipated number of elementary students who will take a field trip to the museum this spring

0
Number of other New England museums to host Excavating Egypt

Permanent link to this story: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/news/stories/5682970