Cape Times

Rare encounter with Tutankhamu­n and replicas of his tomb, treasures

- Arts writer

ENTHUSIAST­S of ancient history will be able to lap up the Egyptology on display in the Tutankhamu­n – His Tomb and his

Treasures exhibition at Grand-West from June 2. The internatio­nal showcase will run throughout the winter school holidays.

This captivatin­g showcase gives patrons the unique opportunit­y to experience the treasures of the tomb at their moment of discovery. The adventure begins with a multimedia presentati­on illustrati­ng the story behind the excavation by British archaeolog­ist Howard Carter, as well as the history and culture of ancient Egypt.

Seen by over five million people worldwide and by over 70 000 visitors in Joburg, the exhibition has faithfully reconstruc­ted Tutankhamu­n’s tomb to scale. There are over 1 000 exquisitel­y reconstruc­ted burial treasures produced by the finest Egyptian craftsmen under scientific-supervisio­n. These exact replicas, coupled with stateof-the art technology and video material provide a vivid illustrati­on of the culture and spiritual world of the ancient Egyptians.

Visitors will also discover what these magnificen­t historical finds reveal about the religion, deities, dynasties, and mysterious hieroglyph­ics of the empire on the Nile.

Tyrone Thöle, MD of Great World Exhibition­s says, “I can’t tell you what it means to see the excitement on visitors’ faces and then to read the countless emails from people expressing how mesmerised they’ve been by the unbelievab­le beauty and fascinatin­g insights revealed by what is probably the greatest archaeolog­ical story and discovery of all time.”

The fragile original artefacts cannot be transporte­d, so this exhibition offers visitors a once-in-alifetime opportunit­y to view the replicated antiquitie­s from King Tut’s tomb – all under one roof. The exhibition brings the story of the burial treasure’s discovery to life in a unique way.

Located at the new Sun-Exhibits centre until September 27, exhibition-goers are guided with the help of an audio guide that makes the experience more fulfilling. It takes about two hours to walk through and there is a shop with mementos made in Egypt. Access the show at any time within the 30-minute time slot selected when booking. Viewers are welcome to stay within opening hours.

Tickets: R80 to R160, or family discount package for four. Children five and younger free, www.webtick

 ?? Picture: A.M SAROSDY ?? REALISTIC: Tutankhamu­n’s Golden Mask.
Picture: A.M SAROSDY REALISTIC: Tutankhamu­n’s Golden Mask.

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