Conferences

In the 19th century, the Belgian industrialist Edouard Empain and the high-ranking Egyptian civil servant of Armenian origin, Boghos Nubar, realised their dream of a new Cairo by raising the Heliopolis district from the sands. This district was equipped with all the refinements of the late 19th century. Little by little, the district grew in importance to the point where it became home to the Presidential Palace in the 20th century. But Heliopolis and its architectural treasures, such as Edouard Empain’s fabulous Hindu palace, were deteriorating. Belgium played a key role in saving this remarkable ensemble. – Amélie d’Arschot, author of the book Le roman d’Héliopolis, will tell us about the genesis of the construction of Heliopolis. – Guy Trouveroy will talk about the 2005 centenary celebrations of the founding of Heliopolis, to which he made a major contribution as Belgium’s ambassador to Egypt. – Marie-Cécile Bruwier, will talk about the recent restoration of Edouard Empain’s Hindu palace in Heliopolis, the installation of a permanent exhibition and the current organisation of a temporary exhibition, activities in which she was closely involved. 23/11/23 – 19H I Reservation required I P.A.V 8€ I Free admission for museum members I Lecture in French