Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa has today received Dr. Verna Leber, who is in charge of the Papyrus collection in the Egyptian Museum of Berlin, and discussed joint cooperation. Manama-based German Embassy Charge d'Affaires Holger Tillmann also attended the meeting.
Dr. Verna Leber briefed the minister on Egyptian Museum of Berlin, which is home to one of the world's most important collections of Ancient Egyptian artifacts. The renowned museum first originated in the 18th century from the royal art collection of the Prussian kings. Alexander von Humboldt ordered the Egyptian section to be created, and the first objects were brought to Berlin in 1828 under Friedrich Wilhelm III.
The most famous piece on display is the exceptionally well-preserved bust of Queen Nefertiti. The collection was moved from Charlottenburg to the Altes Museum in 2005. The minister underscored the importance of cooperating with museums in the world, opening up on others and promoting East-West cultural exchanges, citing the efforts of the Bahrain National Museum which is celebrating its silver jubilee.