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Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
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O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX
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- Those of us who remember the last visit of Tut 35 years ago will find him little changed. The presentation though, is somewhat different, not least because the actual mummy and its famous golden mask are not part of the exhibition.
The exhibition is as much a homage to Howard Carter as to his astounding discovery in the early part of the twentieth century. Proceeding through darkened themed rooms leading us to an understanding of the Egyptian world that King Tut and his predecessors inhabited, those with the audio guide are accompanied by the honeyed tones of none other than Omar Sharif. He knows how to pronounce Tutankhamun. For those without the guide there’s music and mood lighting to set the scene but really the audio tour is a must: selected exhibits are explored in much more detail than it’s otherwise possible to communicate.
The middle section of the exhibition leads visitors down flights of steps, echoing the descent into the tomb itself. Footage and stills, including one of particular note – a black-and-white photograph of the discovery of the tomb showing the jumble of dusty items now lovingly restored, set the artifacts just seen in context. The exhibition’s climax reproduces the burial chamber with the precious items in their original positions, while a projected image progresses through the various layers of sarcophagus and tomb.
Modern technology also comes into play as we examine National Geographic CT scans revealing, among other details, that Tut may have had an impacted wisdom tooth. At least he didn’t have any cavities. The shop reveals all kinds of Tut related goodies. I liked the sarcophagus wine rack. Youngsters will be attracted by the ‘Print your name in hieroglyphs’ offer for a mere quid – a bargain considering the price of admission.
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Details
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O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX
- 0844 844 0003
Visit Website
- Category: Exhibitions
- Times: Daily 10am-7pm
- Price: Mon-Thur: £15, children (5-15) £7.50, concs £12.50, family £45; Fri-Sun £20/£10/£16/£50
- Tube: North Greenwich
9 comments
Came out non the wiser. Completely underwelming. Could learn more from a ladybird book. Very expensive, OTT security, surly staff and very tacky. Any of the big museums are much more entertaining.
The walk back down the river to Greenwich was lovely and the Trafalgar was the perfect place to speculate on what the organizers of the exhibition were on and whether they would ever sober up enough to be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
Pharaoh is how it is spelt!
in general, dissapointing.. queues, cost, overcrowding and not actually that much to see. go to the british museum.
The exhibition is really good! I'm glad I paid the full price and went to see it. So stop moaning about the cost and go! It's not like it's going to happen again in the next 30 years!!
"The first week (Nov 15-21) will be open to O2 customers and their guests only; text 'Tut' to 2020 for tickets."
The code doesn't produce any further info on this.
What is going on Time Out?
it free for O2 costumers during the first week?
Does it mean its free for 02 customers or the full fee is still applicable?
O2 customers and their guests only in the first week? Have the British Museum finally sold out?
Your spelling of "Pharaohs" isn't exactly golden...