Mummies, pharaohs and the iconography of Ancient Egypt are What's On at the
Melbourne Museum (
Nicholson Street, Carlton) these school holidays.
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is the headlining exhibit.
Tutankhamun, one of the most well known Egyptian mummies, was an Egyptian pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty, ruling between 1333 and 1323 BC approximately. The case is particularly well known due to the so-called
Curse of Tutankhamun, in which a large percentage of the archaeologists who discovered the pharaohs tombs are said to have died shortly afterwards (in reality, only eight died within the next twelve years).
The display presents an array of items found within his tomb, such as the
golden coffinette and the crown in which he was buried. Visitors will learn more about the discovery and excavation of the tomb and the processes and beliefs associated with burial in Ancient Egypt, and can also view results from scientific tests conducted on Tutankhamun's mummified remains.
The Tutankhamun exhibition has received more than seven million visitors in Europe and the United States. Its inclusion at the Melbourne Museum will mark its first and only appearance in Australia. The exhibit opens on Friday 8 April and is available for viewing Monday to Sunday (see the website for opening hours and admission costs).
Children can draw their impressions of the era with the
Greetings from Ancient Egypt autumn school holiday program. The Mysteries of the Nile Room is filled with Egyptian inspired materials for children to create ancient Egyptian postcards. Postcards can be taken home or mailed to friends or family.
This activity runs from Saturday 9 April until Tuesday 26 April between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Admission is free.
