The mystery and speculation surrounding the short life of Egypt’s famous boy king, Tutankhamun, is one that many of my generation have enjoyed learning about. It is still possible to visit the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition that has been touring for the last five years. However, it is currently in Melbourne, Australia, which is the last stop of the tour before it heads back to Egypt after November 2011.
The exhibition is potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the relics of the most famous archaeological discovery in history. Take the audio tour for more information than what is posted on the exhibits. And do not miss the Egypt 3D movie which is filled with additional information that helps to place the exhibition in historical context.
Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to see Egypt’s Treasures Outside of Egypt
Almost everyone has heard of King Tutankhamun and the extraordinary discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. Melbourne is the last stop of the touring Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition, so it is the final opportunity to see the artifacts from this amazing archaeological find.
The exhibit is well executed. The mystery surrounding the boy king’s short life and death translates well with darkened rooms and spotlighted exhibits designed to emulate the atmosphere of discovery and reverence. Large black and white wall photos of the original resting places of many of the artifacts help to place them in context.
The final of nine rooms that house the exhibition, displays the artifacts found on Tutankhamun’s body. An inlaid floor display conveys the size of the nested coffins and sarcophagi that housed Tutankhamun’s mummy. It helps one to understand how his mummy was able to remain undisturbed for so long.
Outside of the exhibition, a replica of his preserved body accompanies information about the procedures to extract DNA, as well as other scientific discoveries that infer information about his state of health in life and the likely causes of his death.
Opt for the Audio Tour of the Tutankhamun Exhibition for Additional Information
If you are like me and absorb information better when spoken, as opposed to having to read it, then the audio tour will suit you perfectly. The audio tour provides additional information to 21 of the 130 artifacts on display. The audio hardware is on a cord so you can hang it around your neck when you not using it.
Narrated by Egyptian-born actor, Omar Sharif, the information comes across as both authoritative and entertaining. Whilst he includes the same information as the descriptions included on the exhibits, he gives a greater explanation of the context with more information designed to fill out the historical and cultural significance of the artifacts.
View the Egypt 3D Movie Before Viewing the Tutankhamun Exhibition
The Egypt 3D movie is not included in the main Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition. It is an additional cost to the exhibition but it provides an excellent preview and setting in which to better appreciate the historical significance of the treasures that you are about to view in the main exhibition.
The movie centers on the 1881 discovery of the final resting place of twelve of Egypt’s pharaohs. Hidden far from where was previously believed to be their final resting places, the coffins had been transferred to unmarked caverns deep underground in an effort to evade pillaging grave robbers. The movie is an excellent lead up to the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. The exhibition tells the rest of the story.
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
For those who have never been to Egypt but have always wanted to visit, this exhibition is a great way to tap into the excitement and real life mystery of one of Egypt’s greatest legacies. It is not every day that one gets to stand right next to the coffin of a pharaoh, or to gaze upon the golden treasures of a culture so old one can hardly comprehend. The Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is an exhibition that should not be missed.
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