Young V&A's Making Egypt Exhibition Critiqued for Traditional Display in Child-Focused Museum

In 2023, the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, London, reopened following a £13 million renovation, presenting Making Egypt, the UK's inaugural exhibition designed for children that explores ancient Egyptian creativity. The display includes artifacts such as ancient artist palettes, painting tools, and replicas, highlighting themes like mythology, hieroglyphics, and funerary practices. Critics have pointed out that the exhibition's use of crowded glass cases and extensive labels may hinder sensory interaction. Contemporary elements, such as a poster for The Mummy (1999) and Lego pyramids, are viewed as oversimplified. Although the Young V&A, awarded the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024, aims to be accessible, it struggles to attract a diverse younger audience. The V&A East is set to launch in May 2024, aiming to broaden its offerings amid a decline in children's centers across England.