SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM

The Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) became the first North American museum to tell the epic story of one of the greatest finds in underwater archaeology: the discovery of two ancient Egyptian cities, Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus, submerged under the Mediterranean Sea for over a thousand years. In 2018, the museum hosted Sunken Cities: Egypt's Lost Worlds, an exhibition featuring over 200 artifacts unearthed by underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team. This was the first time many of these artifacts had been seen in the United States. Celia Imrey was invited to lead the exhibition design, working closely with Goddio and the museum's associate curator of ancient art, Lisa Çakmak. The exhibition aimed to help visitors understand the importance of archaeological excavation and how learning about the past enables a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Celia's design concept created a parallel between the visitors' experience and the archaeologists' discoveries, encouraging visitors to imagine themselves as underwater archaeologists uncovering ancient treasures. The exhibition ambiance played a crucial role in this immersive experience, with deep aqua walls evoking the depths of the sea and oak display cases seamlessly rising from the gallery's pale oak floors, symbolizing the objects being released from the sands of the Mediterranean. These subtle design choices fostered a tactile, subconscious connection between the artifacts and the context of their discovery. Celia emphasized the layering of history, not only showcasing how the objects were found but also highlighting their original use, offering visitors a multidimensional experience of exploration and revelation.