Underwater museum in Egypt

A proposal for underwater museums in Alexandria Bay, Egypt, is about to materialize in September, when the United Nations establishes a committee to support the government's design process.

The submerged part of the museum will have a 4-sail symbol rising above the water.Photo: National Geographic

Five large glass-fiber tunnels will connect the ground display area to the underwater showroom, where the antiquities will be admired in the area where the castle of Cleopatra was formerly, now sunk.

Alexandria Bay once had Cleopatra's castle and the famous Pharos lighthouse - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Both collapsed centuries ago in an earthquake.

Bay of Alexandria.Photo: National Geographic

"This is not simply a museum. It is part of the overall vision to regenerate both the city and its heritage," said an expert with the Egyptian Supreme Heritage Commission.

Model of the floating part of the museum.Photo: National Geographic

The submerged part of the museum will be difficult and expensive to build, and is the focal point of the next two-year feasibility study.