Dome to host the Tutankhamun Exhibition
Monday 12th March saw the official press launch announcing the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition.
Dr Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities headed a panel of dignatories, which included Mr Tim Leiweke, CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group – owners of the O2, Mr John Norman, President, AEI, the exhibition designer Mr Mark Lach, Mr Terry Garcia, Executive Vice President of the National Geographic Society, and Gehad Madi the Egyptian Ambassador.
The Exhibition which will come to The O2 in November is anticipated to eclipse the staggering 1.7 million visitor numbers from Tutankhamun’s last visit to Britain in 1972. Over 120,000 group tickets have already been reserved for the exhibition, – a record at this stage in advance of the Exhibition, some six months in advance of the opening of individual ticket sales.
This time the exhibition will draw back visitors in time with inventive design and innovative technology, allowing viewers to explore and experience the world of King Tutankhamun. A special gallery will pay tribute to the British archeologist Howard Carter and his patron Lord Carnarvon
“Since the discovery of his tomb in 1922, Tutankhamun has captured the hearts of people around the world. Buried with him were treasures beyond the imagination, giving us a glittering glimpse into the past,” said Dr Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.
“It has been more than 30 years since the golden artefacts of the boy-king last left their home in Egypt. Now, Tutankhamun is back, giving a new generation the chance to learn first hand about the life and magic of this ancient monarch.”
The exhibition organisers have confirmed that the exhibition will include 50 major objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb, including his royal diadem and one of the gold and precious stone inlaid canopic coffinettes that contained his mummified internal organs and a further 70 objects from other famous royal tomb’s of the 18th Dynasty.