The Temple of Dendur: Celebrating 50 Years at The Met
On April 28, 1967, United States President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded an ancient Egyptian temple built in the first century BCE—a gift from Egypt to the United States—to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today the structure, the Temple of Dendur, is one of the iconic and most beloved works of art at The Met.
In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of this momentous award, staff in the Departments of Egyptian Art and Objects Conservation have written new essays covering various aspects of the temple—including the temple's cult and decoration; its architecture; representations of the temple in nineteenth-century art and photography; cleaning and conservation of the structure; and how this beloved icon made its way from Egypt to the Museum.
Essays
Learn more about the temple—including the temple's cult and decoration; its architecture; representations of the temple in 19th-century art and photography; cleaning and conservation of the structure; and how this beloved icon made its way from Egypt to the Museum.
Cultural Events at the Temple of Dendur
From choral music to jazz, indie rock, and even a chamber opera based on the history of the temple itself, the Temple of Dendur continues to provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop to the Museum's rich public programming.
New York Philharmonic’s principal players Carter Brey and Anthony McGill are joined by pianist Inon Barnatan and former New York Philharmonic music director Alan Gilbert for a nuanced and heart-wrenching performance of Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.
Inspired in part by the writings of Victorian adventurer Amelia Edwards, I Was Here I Was I is an immersive experience, using spoken text, song, and music.
In celebration of his seventy-fifth birthday, Charles Lloyd performs a program at the Temple of Dendur that marshals the creativity of his quartet and special guest singer Maria Farantouri.
In partnership with Spin Magazine, Spectrum welcomed St. Vincent to the Temple of Dendur for a one-time only concert.
The Met's Multicultural Audience Development Initiative and The Costume Institute honored eleven models of color who walked the runway for five American designers in 1973 as they faced off against five French designers at Versailles, forever altering the way fashion was presented on the global stage.
Keep Exploring
Listen to experts discuss the temple’s history, architecture, and detailed reliefs.
Immerse yourself in this 360° video capturing dawn to dusk in the Temple of Dendur.
MetLiveArts artist in residence and master storyteller Nate DiMeo traces the history of the Temple of Dendur and highlights some of the many characters involved in bringing the Egyptian icon to The Met.
Kids and Familes
See the Temple of Dendur on the #MetKids map. Find a fun fact. Hear kids ask an Egyptologist questions about the temple. Make art inspired by this monument.
Art comes in all shapes and sizes. Have you ever wondered how The Met fits it inside the building? Find out with Tobias, age 9.
Discover the only ancient Egyptian temple in the United States! Use this guide to find out who built it and how it got here. Look closely at the temple and talk about what you see, think, and imagine with family and friends.