Alaa Hussein Mahmoud Menshawy

Biography

As the Director of Luxor Museum, Alaa’s responsibilities include the general supervision and management of all museum activity and preempting the needs of the institution. Communication with colleagues in the sector is key to achieving his goals and to supporting the planning and development of annual visits and events. Budget management and reporting is also part of his role. Alaa tries to put on 12 temporary exhibition each year, and in 2023 the Luxor Museum was named by UNESCO the best museum in Egypt for temporary exhibitions.

Alaa’s museum interests include exhibition development, marketing and fundraising. Other areas of interest are exhibitions, conservation, education, security, collections, libraries and archives. Alaa is currently focusing on changes to the museum sector that benefit audiences and improve staff welfare.

Alaa’s personal research projects cover ancient Egyptian Language, and professionally he is working on a development project aiming to raise standards at Luxor Museum to equal those of other global museums.

At the British Museum
During Alaa’s time on the International Training Programme he spent time in whole group sessions for a detailed overview of all aspects of the Museum’s work, both front of house and behind the scenes. Alaa also spent some time in the department of Egypt and Sudan. Alaa spent his partner placement at Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums in Newcastle.

Alaa worked with the ITP 2022 participants to develop a 15-object trail based on a story they wanted to share based around the British Museum collection. The theme of the trail was Food and drink and Alaa’s chosen object was a conical jar from Egypt.

Alaa’s place on the International Training Programme was generously supported by The de Laszlo Foundation and the Thriplow Charitable Trust.