Unlock the Enchantment of Unearthing Ancient Secrets
The foundation of Egyptology as a scientific field was practically laid by early researchers, particularly focused on decoding hieroglyphics. On September 27, 1822, Jean François Champollion proposed a way to read these ancient symbols. Since that time, archaeologists have gained deeper insights into the monuments they find and the purposes of various artifacts. About a century later, an important discovery occurred in southern Egypt, significantly influencing the field of Egyptology. British archaeologist Howard Carter believed that The Valley of the Kings, where the New Kingdom rulers were buried, concealed the tomb of a pharaoh named Tutankhamun. His persistent efforts paid off on November 4, 1922, when his team uncovered the first steps leading to the long-awaited tomb. Inside, they found extravagant funerary items showcasing the vast wealth of the young king and reflecting the incredible skill of ancient artisans.
The second section of the exhibition will highlight the achievements of Czech Egyptology, especially focusing on the scientist Jaroslav Černý. More than thirty authentic artifacts and replicas from the Náprstek Museum collections will be exhibited. These will feature ostracons, which are pieces of ancient pottery, vesebts, which are small statues bearing funeral inscriptions, and a statue of a nobleman named Veseretkaua that some researchers consider one of the most beautiful items in Czech Egyptological collections. Attendees can also view a lit-up replica of the Rosetta Stone, explore the evolution of Egyptian writing, and learn about how Champollion decoded it. Visitors will even have the chance to step into a model of Tutankhamun’s burial chamber or uncover the mysteries of mummification. In essence, they’ll get to feel the “magic of discovery” firsthand.
During the summer, besides the permanent displays, there are two special exhibitions at the Prácheňský Museum in Písek. One is a photography exhibition by Jaroslav Joe Huebl called Woman, featuring nearly 100 images of women this year, ranging from intimate to erotic and including portraits (running from June 7 to August 3). The other temporary display highlights the history of the forestry school in Písek, which marks its 140th anniversary this year. This exhibition, titled 140 years of forestry education – Forestry School in Písek, will be on view from June 13 to August 31, 2025.
