6. The Temple of Dendur’s Position in the Museum Simulates its Location in Egypt
The wing in which the Temple of Dendur is housed, formerly known as the Sackler Wing, was designed by architects Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo, and associates. Built specifically for the temple, it is designed to mimic the temple’s location in Egypt. The reflecting pool in front of the temple and the sloping wall behind it represent the Nile river and the cliffs of its original home on the west bank of the river, about fifty miles south of Aswan.
Additionally, the glass on the ceiling and the north wall of the wing is stippled to diffuse the light and resemble the lighting in Egypt. The glass enclosure allows the temple to be surrounded by natural light, while still protected from the elements.