Growing Through Museums: A New Chapter in Manchester

Written by Asmaa Abdelfattah, Curator, Egyptian Museum, Cairo (Egypt, ITP 2026)

My name is Asmaa Abdelfattah, and I have worked as a Curator at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo for almost fourteen years. Throughout my career, I have worked in several departments. Each role has deepened my understanding of museums and reinforced my belief that they are living institutions that continue to evolve through the people who care for them.

Joining the British Museum’s International Training Programme (ITP) 2026 is a dream that has finally come true. For many years, I hoped to become part of this inspiring international network, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from leading museums and exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world. I hope to bring these experiences back to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, helping our institution continue to grow and evolve while preserving its unique history and identity.

On Tuesday, 28 July 2026, after nearly three inspiring weeks of training in London, our journey continued in Manchester. It was my first visit to the city, and I enjoyed discovering another side of the United Kingdom. Walking through its distinctive architecture, exploring its public spaces, and experiencing its transport system reminded me that every city has its own identity, just as every museum tells its own story.

Our day began at the Whitworth Art Gallery, where we were warmly welcomed by Steven Roper, Producer: Schools. Watts, Head of Civic Engagement and Education, introduced us to the gallery’s inspiring work with schools, families, and local communities. It was fascinating to see how education and public engagement are placed at the heart of the museum’s mission, creating opportunities for creativity, dialogue, and inclusion.

One of the highlights of the visit was our behind-the-scenes tour with Sarah Potter, Collection Care Manager. We explored the conservation studios, collection stores, and exhibition preparation spaces, gaining valuable insight into the teamwork required to care for collections and prepare exhibitions. I was particularly impressed by the opportunity for visitors to observe exhibition installations before opening, allowing the public to engage with the museum-making process itself.

Later, Rakhi Jones, Senior Audience and Marketing Communications Manager, led an inspiring discussion on audience development, communication strategies, and the creative use of interpretation and digital technologies. Visiting the exhibitions Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven and Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai and Hiroshige demonstrated how exhibitions can connect diverse audiences through storytelling, family programmes, and interactive interpretation.

Another memorable experience was exploring the Whitworth Art Garden, where art, nature, and wellbeing become part of one continuous visitor journey. Finally, Poppy Bowers, Senior Curator (Exhibitions), shared the collaborative process of developing exhibitions, from the first idea through research, design, interpretation, and installation. Exchanging experiences with museum professionals from different countries reminded me that, despite our different contexts, we share many of the same aspirations and challenges.

For me, the ITP is far more than a training programme. It is an opportunity to build lasting friendships, create unforgettable memories, exchange knowledge, and discover new perspectives every day. As this journey continues, I am inspired to return home with new ideas that will contribute to the future of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and strengthen its role in serving communities, preserving heritage, and inspiring future generations.

Manchester has an unforgettable beginning to this new chapter in our ITP journey, and I look forward to discovering what the coming days will bring.