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About The Met/ Collection Areas/ Egyptian Art/ The Temple of Dendur: Celebrating 50 Years at The Met/ Cultural Events at the Temple of Dendur
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View of The Temple of Dendur at dusk

Cultural Events at the Temple of Dendur

Niv Allon, Assistant Curator, Department of Egyptian Art

Paradise Interrupted, a poetic weaving of the Western myth of the Garden of Eden and the Chinese myth of the Peony Pavilion, performed outside of the Temple of Dendur, March 2015. An asian woman wearing a costume performing in front of a spiked black structure being held up by three men dressed in black.

Paradise Interrupted, a poetic weaving of the Western myth of the Garden of Eden and the Chinese myth of the Peony Pavilion, performed outside of the Temple of Dendur, March 2015

Music and hymns resonated among the Temple of Dendur's walls and into the surrounding cliffs when festivals were celebrated and rituals performed at the temple during antiquity. Sound and performance continue to be an integral part of the temple's modern life as well, as the wing in which it sits has been host to numerous cultural events and musical performances throughout the years.

From choral music to jazz, indie rock, and even a chamber opera based on the history of the temple itself, the Temple of Dendur continues to provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop to the Museum's rich public programming.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir performs Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen, June 2014. The choir is seated in a circle with spectators seated behind them. The Temple of Dendur is to the left.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir performs Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen, June 2014. Photo by Stephanie Berger

Two artists from the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, principal dancers Surupa Sen and Bijayini Satpathy, perform in front of the temple's gateway, January 2015.

Two artists from the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, principal dancers Surupa Sen and Bijayini Satpathy, perform in front of the temple's gateway, January 2015. Photo by Nan Melville

The Civilians, MetLiveArts 2014–15 artist in residence, perform The End and the Beginning outside of the temple, March 2015. A young woman is standing in front of a white bike. The Temple of Dendur is lit up in the background.

The Civilians, MetLiveArts 2014–15 artist in residence, perform The End and the Beginning outside of the temple, March 2015. Photo by Paula Lobo

Watch Past Events in Gallery 131 on MetMedia

Quartet for the End of Time (March 13, 2016)
Alarm Will Sound: I Was Here I Was I (June 20, 2014)
Charles Lloyd New Quartet and Friends at the Temple of Dendur (February 15, 2013)
Spectrum Presents: St. Vincent (August 25, 2011)
The Models of Versailles 1973 Tribute Luncheon (January 24, 2011)