Egyptian Balcony Tour - The Harris

This unique space offers breathtaking views and a rare glimpse into early 20th-century fascination with Ancient Egypt.

What is the Egyptian Balcony?

Perched high above the galleries, the Egyptian Balcony wraps around the base of the museum’s lantern dome.

It is home to a series of magnificent murals by artist John Somerscales, commissioned in 1908 by Preston Corporation. Somerscales travelled to Egypt to capture authentic scenes, which he transformed into large-scale paintings depicting iconic sites.

These murals are complemented by decorative panels inspired by ancient Egyptian sculpture and wall paintings, creating an atmospheric setting that feels like stepping into a pharaoh’s world.