Seize the opportunity to get as close as you can outside of Egypt to Tutankhamun, the ‘image of the living god,’ by visiting the touring exhibition.
The mystery and speculation surrounding the short life of Egypt’s famous boy-king, Tutankhamun, is one that many of my generations have enjoyed learning about. TUTANKHAMUN AND THE PHAROS AGE However, it is currently in Melbourne, Australia, which is the tour’s final stop before heading back to Egypt after November 2018.
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 place the exhibition in a 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 incredible 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 presentations designed to emulate the atmosphere of discovery and reverence. In addition, 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 caskets 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 and 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, instead of having to read it, then the audio tour will suit you perfectly. The audio tour provides additional details to 21 of the 130 artifacts. The audio hardware is on a cord, so you can hang it around your neck when you are not using it.
Narrated by Egyptian-born actor Omar Sharif, the information is both authoritative and entertaining. While he includes the same information as the descriptions on the exhibits, he gives a more significant 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
Not included in the leading exhibition is the Egypt 3D movie. Therefore, it is an additional cost to the collection. Still, it provides an excellent preview and setting to appreciate better the historical significance of the treasures you are about to view in the top show.
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 last resting places, the coffins had been transferred to unmarked caverns deep underground to evade pillaging grave robbers. The film is an excellent prequel to the 1922 tomb discovery. The exhibition fills up the blanks.
The Golden Age of the Pharaohs
For those who have never been to Egypt but have always wanted to visit, an exciting method to tap into the enthusiasm and real-life mystery of one of Egypt’s most significant legacies. But, of course, 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 the old one can hardly comprehend. Nonetheless, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is a must-see show.
