The world of ancient Egypt has captured the public's imagination for centuries, with exhibitions of Egyptian history and culture proving to be hugely popular around the globe. But now The Discovery of King Tut presents this fascinating subject in an entirely new way: a thrillingly unique experience that explores the legendary tomb and its treasures as they were at the exact moment of their discovery. Visitors can feel the rush of excitement as they step into a moment only ever witnessed by Howard Carter, Lord Carnarvon, and a handful of others.
The Discovery of King Tut presents the actual excavation itself, its story and its invaluable legacy. Using painstakingly, scientifically produced reconstructions, the exhibition allows the public to enjoy the magnificent splendor of these priceless Egyptian treasures without ever harming the fragile, sensitive originals, which can only now be exhibited separately and are no longer permitted to tour outside of Egypt. Preservation is of utmost importance, and the use of reconstructions is now the increasing trend in heritage conservation.
The Discovery of King Tut has succeeded in meeting a major challenge: the exhibition reconstructs, in great detail, a burial treasure that was assembled thousands of years ago and which, upon discovery in 1922, the excavators dismantled into individual parts. These amazing artifacts were then inventoried and stored in different depots, showcases and displays around the world, seemingly forever separated.
The discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb is considered the most famous discovery in the history of archaeology, and in modern times, the context of its finding has been lost. The exhibition allows visitors to experience the background of this historic discovery, and to get to know the most important artifacts through stunning and scientifically produced reconstructions. These remarkable, individual presentations allow the world to experience the treasures of King Tutankhamun's tomb without compromising the fragile originals, most of which are not permitted to be toured.
The exhibition also presents a wealth of information about the wider culture of ancient Egypt. It offers fascinating insights into the Egyptians' belief in the afterlife, and their efforts to overcome their fate and conquer death and transience. A fully three-dimensional, astonishingly accurate recreation of the excavation site allows the public to marvel at the exquisite, breathtaking burial treasure, ensuring that visitors leave The Discovery of King Tut exhilarated by having seen something very special, in an experience they'll never forget.
In a coordinated use of new media and objects, the exhibition presents the burial of King Tutankhamun's treasure in the context of ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs, an immersive experience that sets new standards in museology.
The first area of the two-part exhibition uses media to transport visitors back in time, thousands of years to the time of King Tutankhamun. They then experience how Howard Carter discovered the lost tomb of King Tutankhamun after a long search. The exhibition experience culminates in exact reconstructions of three burial chambers that reveal themselves just as Carter saw them in 1922.
One of the highlights in the exhibition is a large, open, gilded outer shrine of the boy king's burial chamber. Upon discovery, Howard Carter uncovered an additional three gilded shrines and a stone sarcophagus, in which there were three inner coffins. Therein lay the intact mummy of the young king wearing the golden mask. The ensemble's presentation at the heart of the burial reveals the ultimate meaning of Tutankhamun's tremendous efforts for his existence in the afterlife: the transformation of the king into the immortal sun god.
The second part provides visitors with the opportunity to intensively and extensively examine the most intriguing objects in the burial treasure. Visitors can learn about the cultural, historical, and religious background of the objects in a documentary, which is presented in a scientific yet accessible manner. The boxes and chests found in the burial chambers are opened, revealing their hidden contents: golden and gilded statues of gods and the king, ushabtis, jewelry, and many precious stones.
An international team of exhibition designers worked for over five years on the realization of this exhibition under the scientific direction of Egyptologists Dr. Martin von Falck and Dr. Wolfgang Wettengel. Renowned specialists from the fields of medicine and genetics have provided new impetus for scientific discourse.
