A new blockbuster exhibition opened last week at the Saatchi Gallery, London. 150 treasures are on display at Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh as part of a world tour before returning forever to Egypt. Over 60 pieces are on loan outside their home country for the first time. London is the third stop in a ten-city world tour, which broke records in Los Angeles before becoming France’s most attended exhibition ever attracting over 1.4 million attendees. The hottest ticket in town this winter!
This exhibition is unique also because it focuses on the funeral artefacts of a king, their meaning and symbolism. Ancient cultures placed great importance on the journey from life into the netherworld and sadly it’s something modern civilisations have abandoned. The exhibition delivers a fascinating insight into an ancient culture, and the exquisite craftsmanship and wealth of the pharaohs. It is thrilling to get so close to such magnificent works of art.
Tutankhamun’s tomb is the only ancient Egyptian royal tomb ever discovered (almost) intact. Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh is an opportunity to practice a little necromancy, a form of communicating with the dead pharaoh. Ancient Egyptians believed that speaking the deceased’s name regularly ensured their immortality. Tutankhamun’s story is a tragic one – the young king died at only 19 years following an accident – but his fame and glamour live on. No need for social media in ancient times when immortality is achieved in such magnificent style!
Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh runs until 3 May 2020. My full review was recently published on Travel Begins At 40 and a Tweet or Like is always appreciated. If you’d like to follow me on Instagram you can catch up with my day to day meandering as and when they happen.
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