A neglected built heritage : the museum of the suez canal authority in Port Said

Abstract EN

Port Said is renowned for its richness in the tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

It has a cosmopolitan heritage for being inhabited by various nationalities and religions.

Its archeological and urban heritage affluence is evident in the diversity of its distinctive architectural buildings, which reflect the heritage aspects of its people throughout modern history.

In this perspective, the Museum of the Suez Canal Authority, locally known as the Villa of Eugénie, is considered one of Port Said's exceptional cultural heritage assets that lacks proper and adequate attention.

Thus, this paper aims at illustrating the functional role of the so-called Villa of Eugénie from its construction in 1866 to date.

It also focuses on its development history, current condition.

A qualitative approach was followed in this paper through conducting in-depth interviews with 18 key stakeholders engaged with Port Said's cultural heritage.

In addition, a SWOT analysis was carried out to highlight the positive aspects and existing impediments and to identify the appropriate strategic solutions for the current problems.

The findings indicate that the museum is closed and the majority of its collection has been relocated to the International Museum of the Suez Canal Authority in Ismailia.

Furthermore, the building is neither registered on Port Said's heritage list nor the UNESCO'S World Heritage List, although it is 155-year-old.

As a consequence, the museum should be registered on Port Said's heritage list.

Moreover, it should be reopened as it forms an integral part of the Port Saidians' history, identity, and outstanding cultural heritage.