Private museum dedicated to Peter Beard opens in Siwa Oasis
This week, the scenic Siwa Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert transformed into a cultural hub with the opening of a private museum honoring renowned photographer Peter Beard. The event drew a diverse crowd, including King Frederik X of Denmark, Prince Muhammad Ali of Egypt, and installation artist Danh Vo. Among the attendees was Beard’s widow, Nejma Beard, who played a pivotal role in the four-day celebration organized by their daughter, Zara Beard.
The festivities commenced with a moonlit dinner and cocktails, culminating in a candlelit unveiling of the museum. Guests were hosted at the Adrere Amellal Ecolodge, an eco-friendly retreat built from natural materials such as salt, clay, and palm. This off-grid lodge emphasizes sustainability, operating without electricity or plastic, and sourcing its water from nearby springs.
Origins of the museum
The Eye of the Desert: The Peter Beard Museum Siwa was established by Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, an influential figure in sustainable development and ecotourism in Egypt. In 1981, Dr. Neamatalla founded Environmental Quality International (EQI), which emphasizes the preservation of historical sites while promoting environmentally friendly tourism across Africa and the Middle East. His forward-thinking vision has led to the creation of both the museum and an ecolodge, fostering a seamless integration of culture and nature.
Historical significance of Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis has a rich historical legacy, believed to have been inhabited since the 10th millennium BC. It is notable for its connection to ancient Egypt, as documented by the historian Herodotus around 430 BC. The oasis is perhaps best known for the Oracle of Amun temple, where Alexander the Great sought confirmation of his rule over Egypt in 331 BC. Today, these ruins serve as a testament to the area’s historical significance, drawing tourists and scholars alike.
Peter Beard’s artistic journey
Peter Beard’s enduring fascination with Egypt is evident in his artistic endeavors. He regarded the country as a crucial component of African history and cultural identity. In his personal Egypt diaries, Beard remarked, “So much came into Egypt from the Land of Punt (Somalia) (also Sudan), you can see it in the art here.” Wills Baker, a curator from the Peter Beard Studio, highlights that for Beard, Egypt served not only as a starting point but also as a conduit through which ancient African wisdom continued to flourish.
Visual storytelling and cultural resonance
The visual narratives captured by Beard illustrate a significant connection between the natural environment and cultural memory. His intimate photographs of hieroglyphs, ancient ruins, and mummified creatures create a visual language that resonates with the wisdom of past civilizations. Beard’s work reflects a belief in the coexistence of beauty and ecological responsibility, a principle that aligns with the mission of the museum.
In 2001, during a visit to Siwa with his family, Beard formed a deep connection with the region. Zara Beard recalls their experiences, stating, “He did not arrive with conquest in his eyes. He came instead as a witness. As someone who believed that beauty, when glimpsed on the verge of disappearance, becomes a kind of moral imperative.” This viewpoint influenced his artistic vision, as he endeavored to capture the fleeting essence of beauty shaped by time and nature.
A tribute to an artistic legacy
Peter Beard Museum: a tribute to art and nature
The Peter Beard Museum is an architectural marvel, constructed with traditional Siwan mud and designed to function off the grid. Inside, visitors can view Beard’s iconic photographs, many adorned with hand-painted borders created by the Hog Ranch Art Department, a group of Kenyan artists established near Beard’s estate. One gallery features pages from Beard’s personal diaries, while another offers a glimpse into his family life through cherished photographs.
This museum serves as a lasting tribute to Beard’s legacy, representing his deep connection to Siwa and his artistic vision. The museum seeks to promote a dialogue between art and environmental stewardship, encouraging visitors to recognize the intricate relationships that connect humanity with the natural world.
Zara Beard emphasizes that the museum encourages visitors to come as witnesses to the beauty surrounding us and to acknowledge the wild that awaits recognition.
