From November 12, 2026, to January 28, 2027, CityOval Milano will host “Cleopatra: The Truth,” an exhibition dedicated to Cleopatra VII that aims to reconstruct the historical profile of the Queen of Egypt through the latest archaeological discoveries. The project, conceived and developed by NPG Entertainment, offers an experience that combines scientific research, immersive technologies, and contemporary artistic expressions with the goal of providing the public with an up-to-date perspective on the queen, moving beyond the images and stereotypes that have taken root over the centuries.
The exhibition explores Cleopatra from multiple angles, tracing her life, reign, and historical legacy. The exhibition combines scientific content, immersive settings, and visual storytelling tools, translating the latest archaeological discoveries into a narrative designed for a broad and diverse audience. The stated intent is to reveal the portrait of the woman, the ruler, and the political strategist who lies behind the legend.
The project is based on research conducted at Taposiris Magna by Egyptologist Zahi Hawass and archaeologist Kathleen Martinez. Over twenty years of studies and fieldwork have contributed new insights into the figure of Cleopatra, forming the scientific foundation of the initiative. The discoveries made at the archaeological site serve as the exhibition’s primary narrative framework and allow for the presentation to the public of the most recent hypotheses developed by scholars regarding the Egyptian queen.
According to the organizers, “Cleopatra: The Truth” goes beyond the traditional exhibition model to offer an immersive experience in which scientific research and digital technologies work together to shape the narrative. The project also marks the first major undertaking by NPG Entertainment, a company born from the convergence of Next Group’s desire to develop new entertainment formats and the creative vision of Pepper’s Ghost. The stated goal is to create cultural experiences with an international scope through the integration of artistic design, technological innovation, and production capabilities. The exhibition will be hosted at CityOval Milano, a venue dedicated to major events and immersive experiences located in the CityLife district and redeveloped by Generali.
“For us, immersion doesn’t mean simply observing images projected onto a wall. It means traversing spaces, following clues, making discoveries, and experiencing emotions to share—while feeling like part of the story,” says Anderson Tegon, Founder of Pepper’s Ghost and Creative Director of NPG Entertainment. “With ‘Cleopatra: The Truth,’ we wanted to create a journey to be experienced and shared, not just an exhibition to be viewed. An experience designed for children, adults, and the child that lives on within each of us, where every space speaks to us and every visitor becomes the protagonist of their own encounter with one of history’s most extraordinary women.”
“With Cleopatra: The Truth, we want to demonstrate that today culture can be conveyed through innovative forms of expression without sacrificing scientific rigor,” says Marco Jannarelli, President of Next Group and CEO of NPG Entertainment. “This project represents a new vision of cultural entertainment, capable of combining research, creative technology, and production to make our historical heritage accessible and engaging for an ever-wider audience.”
“After twenty years of excavations at Taposiris Magna, archaeology tells us a story very different from the one handed down by myths,” says Kathleen Martinez. “Cleopatra was not just a seductress: she was a political strategist, a highly cultured woman, and the last ruler to defend Egypt’s independence. Cleopatra: The Truth presents the evidence that has emerged from research and offers the public the opportunity to encounter, for the first time, the real queen.”
“Cleopatra’s life has been recounted by Plutarch and Shakespeare, but much of what has been written about her is the result of a fictionalized narrative,” says Zahi Hawass. “For the first time, the allure of this great queen will be revealed through the search for her tomb. With this project, we hope to reveal the true story of Cleopatra.”
“New forms of expression—from immersive experiences to digital storytelling—are transforming the way the public engages with history and art,” says Simone Bemporad, Group Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer at Generali. “Cleopatra: The Truth offers an innovative approach to immersive experiences, with the goal of bringing an ever-wider audience closer to complex and fascinating stories like that of Cleopatra. As Generali, we are proud that this project is coming to life at CityOval, a gathering place designed to welcome everyone who lives in Milan and everyone who visits Milan. This commitment is deeply rooted in our history: we believe in innovation when it serves as a tool to bring people together, generate knowledge, and create value for communities.”
 |
| An exhibition on Cleopatra based on the research of Hawass and Martinez is on display in Milan |
Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.
IT
FR
DE
ES
CN