Tutanchamun - May 9th 2009
For the first time since the 1970s the treasures of Egyptian boy-king Tutanchamun are travelling around the globe. Until August, they are here in Munich. So, a week or two after the exhibition opened I decided to go along and see what all the fuss was about.
Firstly, I must say that the actual presentation of the exhibition is superb. The outer area is full of information for anoraks like me and, although it didn't bother me too much, the blurb is all presented in German and English (which was good for my mate Rob). Tickets are issued for specific times (although they are not too strict about it) mainly because of the regular presentation of the introductory movie.
You are initially ushered into a maze of corridors shrouded in heavy black drapes and the exhibition begins with some filmage, to set the scene and provide some background info for those who think that Tut is some footballer or other. As the film ends, lights come up in a corner of the room and you are invited to enter another part of the labyrinth, to view the contents of the outer chambers of the tomb. A voice over describes the contents of these rooms in exacting detail and you are then herded towards the exhibition proper, to see the reconstructed tomb and its treasures.
Weirdly, my first impression was that I thought it would be bigger. I don't know why I thought that, I just did. However, whilst the total floor space may be quite small compared to, say, the Titanic, or Dali exhibits I saw in Philadelphia, what is packed into that space is immense. You soon realise that the two hours I thought would be plenty of time to see everything, was woefully inadequate! The reconstructions of the sarcophagi (outer and inner) are beautifully done and, to help you appreciate it, Howard Carter's original drawings are superimposed upon the floor of the outer one. All of the markings on the walls are explained clearly and really do make the entire affair much more enjoyable.
Firstly, I must say that the actual presentation of the exhibition is superb. The outer area is full of information for anoraks like me and, although it didn't bother me too much, the blurb is all presented in German and English (which was good for my mate Rob). Tickets are issued for specific times (although they are not too strict about it) mainly because of the regular presentation of the introductory movie.
You are initially ushered into a maze of corridors shrouded in heavy black drapes and the exhibition begins with some filmage, to set the scene and provide some background info for those who think that Tut is some footballer or other. As the film ends, lights come up in a corner of the room and you are invited to enter another part of the labyrinth, to view the contents of the outer chambers of the tomb. A voice over describes the contents of these rooms in exacting detail and you are then herded towards the exhibition proper, to see the reconstructed tomb and its treasures.
Weirdly, my first impression was that I thought it would be bigger. I don't know why I thought that, I just did. However, whilst the total floor space may be quite small compared to, say, the Titanic, or Dali exhibits I saw in Philadelphia, what is packed into that space is immense. You soon realise that the two hours I thought would be plenty of time to see everything, was woefully inadequate! The reconstructions of the sarcophagi (outer and inner) are beautifully done and, to help you appreciate it, Howard Carter's original drawings are superimposed upon the floor of the outer one. All of the markings on the walls are explained clearly and really do make the entire affair much more enjoyable.
The real jewel in the crown, if you will pardon the analogy, is the treasure, of which there is shitloads (that's an archaeological technical term). From small scarabs, to big scarabs, headgear, neckwear, fingerweights, assorted daggers, weapons and loads of assorted stuff to help the King in his journey through the afterlife, it is everywhere. It is all amazing and most of it is stunningly beautiful, and you can only marvel at the craftsmanship.
Still, nothing prepares you for the Inner Coffin and the Death Mask. The Inner Coffin and Death Mask are truly two of the most unbelievable items that I have ever seen in my life. Mere words, even those penned by yours truly, cannot even begin to convey the beauty of these two pieces of masterful craftsmanship. Each is solid gold (yes, and I mean, solid) and you can do nought but stand and stare at them. They are mesmerising, almost hypnotic. Alone they are worth the price of admission. You really cannot avert your gaze and, I don't know if it's like this everywhere, but they were not behind glass; just a rope separates you from the Death Mask. Somehow, it seemed wrong to reach out and stick my grubby fingers on it, that together with the fact that had I done so, I would probably have been tazered...
Truly amazing.If you get the chance to see this exhibition, GO! It is stunning.
Click here for the next bit
Still, nothing prepares you for the Inner Coffin and the Death Mask. The Inner Coffin and Death Mask are truly two of the most unbelievable items that I have ever seen in my life. Mere words, even those penned by yours truly, cannot even begin to convey the beauty of these two pieces of masterful craftsmanship. Each is solid gold (yes, and I mean, solid) and you can do nought but stand and stare at them. They are mesmerising, almost hypnotic. Alone they are worth the price of admission. You really cannot avert your gaze and, I don't know if it's like this everywhere, but they were not behind glass; just a rope separates you from the Death Mask. Somehow, it seemed wrong to reach out and stick my grubby fingers on it, that together with the fact that had I done so, I would probably have been tazered...
Truly amazing.If you get the chance to see this exhibition, GO! It is stunning.
Click here for the next bit
2011
In January 2011 I saw this same exhibition in Manchester. Click here to see photographs from that visit.
In January 2011 I saw this same exhibition in Manchester. Click here to see photographs from that visit.