The Alexandria National Museum has started receiving foreign tourists who are visiting the museum to vote for the 'Secrets of the Sunken City' project, which is competing in the ICOM COMMS Awards 2026. The voting process is open to both Egyptian and foreign visitors. The museum has placed a QR code at the entrance, allowing visitors to cast their votes quickly using their mobile phones.
A delegation from the Regional Tourism Promotion Authority, led by Iman Sharaf, visited the Alexandria National Museum to support and encourage participation in the voting process for the 'Secrets of the Sunken City' project. During the visit, Sharaf emphasized the importance of promoting the museum and its collections, highlighting the significance of the project in showcasing Alexandria's submerged heritage.
The 'Secrets of the Sunken City' project is an exhibition that features 86 artifacts from archaeological sites submerged underwater, including the sites of Heraklion, Canopus, and the Eastern Harbor. The exhibition is a result of collaboration between the General Administration of Underwater Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology.
According to Ashraf El-Qadi, director of the Alexandria National Museum, the voting process for the ICOM COMMS Awards 2026 will continue until October 10. He encouraged visitors to vote for the 'Secrets of the Sunken City' project in the Best Press Office Campaign category. The project aims to shed light on the submerged heritage of Egypt, particularly in Alexandria.
The history of underwater archaeology in Egypt dates back to 1996, when the General Administration of Underwater Antiquities was established. Since then, Egypt has made significant progress in discovering, studying, and protecting its submerged cultural heritage. The Alexandria National Museum has been at the forefront of presenting this heritage to the public, with a permanent hall dedicated to underwater antiquities.
The 'Secrets of the Sunken City' exhibition, which opened on August 21, 2025, is part of the celebrations for the International Day of Underwater Cultural Heritage. The exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of people who lived in the submerged cities, with each artifact telling a unique story. The museum aims to educate visitors about the historical significance of these submerged sites.
The collaboration between the General Administration of Underwater Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology has been instrumental in uncovering the secrets of Egypt's submerged past. The project has not only shed light on the history of Alexandria but also highlighted the importance of preserving and protecting underwater cultural heritage for future generations.
Key points
- The 'Secrets of the Sunken City' project is competing in the ICOM COMMS Awards 2026.
- The project features 86 artifacts from submerged archaeological sites in Alexandria.
- The voting process for the project will continue until October 10.
