Fairfield University Art Museum Presents 'Hieroglyphs to Hype: The Modern Afterlife of Ancient Egypt'

From September 18 to December 12, 2026, the Bellarmine Hall Galleries at Fairfield University Art Museum will host the exhibition 'Hieroglyphs to Hype: The Modern Afterlife of Ancient Egypt.' This showcase delves into the persistent allure of ancient Egyptian art and culture, a phenomenon known as 'Egyptomania' that captivated 19th-century Europeans. Featuring a diverse array of works—paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and decorative arts—spanning from the early 19th century to today, the exhibition highlights various artistic interpretations and misconceptions surrounding ancient Egyptian visual culture. Items on display range from simple to sophisticated, and from commercially driven to Afrofuturist. Notable lenders include the Yale Center for British Art and the Wadsworth Atheneum. Curated by the Museum Registrar, this exhibition critically examines the reinterpretation and occasional misrepresentation of ancient Egypt in Western art and popular culture over the past two hundred years.