Ramses II Exhibition Debuts in London, Showcasing Pharaoh’s Legacy
A significant exhibition titled “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” has opened in London, highlighting the legacy of the legendary pharaoh Ramses II. This exhibition features over 180 ancient Egyptian artifacts and is set to run from February 28 to May 31, 2024, near Battersea Power Station.
Exhibition Overview
The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Egyptian government and produced by Victory Hill Exhibitions Ltd. The parent company, Neon Global, is based in Singapore and specializes in immersive entertainment experiences. Key partners in this project include Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which lent most of the showcased works.
Notable Contributions and Highlights
- The exhibition is supported by prominent Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass.
- It features the coffin of Ramses II, depicting him as the god Osiris.
- Visitors can see ancient animal mummies and sacred charms like the amulet of the goddess Bastet.
- Other significant artifacts include a statue of Ramses II kneeling and a gilded mask from the coffin of Amenemope.
Access and Educational Initiatives
Ticket prices for the exhibition vary, ranging from £24.90 to £32, depending on the selected time slot. In a gesture to support local education, Neon Global will distribute 5,000 complimentary tickets to schools in London and offer 10,000 “off-peak” tickets at a reduced price of £15.
Impact on Antiquities Research
The proceeds from the exhibition will fund various archaeological research and conservation efforts in Egypt. Although specific revenue figures have not been disclosed, Egyptian officials emphasize the exhibition’s role as a cultural ambassador.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Following the completion of this exhibition, the artifacts will return to Egypt and be displayed at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The GEM, located near the Giza pyramids, is expected to attract around 19,000 visitors daily.
The museum aims to accommodate the growing number of tourists, a situation the old Egyptian Museum in Cairo struggled to manage. The GEM project was first proposed in 1992 by former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Conclusion
The “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” exhibition presents a valuable opportunity for visitors to engage with ancient Egyptian history and artifacts. It marks another important chapter in the ongoing appreciation of Ramses II’s legacy.