“Tale of Two Cities” Opens in Milan, Showcasing a Dialogue Between Egyptian and Italian Art

By Ahmed Fawzy

The “Tale of Two Cities” exhibition officially opened today at Galleria Fumagalli in Milan, Italy, attracting a large audience of art enthusiasts and collectors. This special event celebrates the artistic and cultural dialogue between Egypt and Italy, highlighting the profound connections between Alexandria and Italy ;two cities united by their rich history, beauty, and creativity.

The exhibition will run at Galleria Fumagalli from June 30 to July 31, 2025, and at the MA*GA Museum on July 1 and 2, 2025.

Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art D’Égypte, said: “This project holds deep personal significance for me. My grandmother was of Franco-Italian heritage, and I spent my childhood in Alexandria surrounded by iconic Italian architecture and art inspired by figures such as Antonio Becci. These personalities served as cultural beacons in both Egyptian and Italian history, contributing to a rich and continuous dialogue between our two traditions. I am deeply grateful to Italy, and to all of you, for this warm and generous welcome.”

Massimo Zanello, Director of Galleria Fumagalli, stated: “Hosting ‘Tale of Two Cities’ represents a significant moment of cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. We are proud to highlight the creative connections that unite Italy and Egypt and to further establish Milan as a global hub for contemporary art.”

Maria Vittoria, the co- curator, added: “Through this project, we invite audiences to explore the multiple stories woven by the relationship between Alexandria and Italy — stories of memory, migration, and shared human experience. Each artwork contributes a new layer to this evolving conversation.”
The exhibition features 13 outstanding artists from Egypt and Italy, including:
At Galleria Fumagalli: Ahmed Farid, Hassan Ragab, Jamal Basiony, Luca Boffi, Clarulecis, Luigi Panza, Giacomo Cossio, as well as designers Kahhal 1871 and Ahmad Sherif, founder of Cotta Designs.
At the MA*GA Museum: Gamal Meleka, Marina Ballo, Karim El Hayawan, and Stefano Cagol.
Nadine Abdel Ghaffar also extended her heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of this edition, including the Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo, Barta and Partners insurance partner, Bloomberg Connects, and EgyptAir, the official carrier.