King Tut.
Tutankhamun.
The Boy King.
Lying in the Valley of Kings, thwarting efforts of archaeologists and looters alike to find him for over 3,000 years.
A visit to this exhibit is what I gave my mother for her Mother’s day present this year. I saw the King Tut exhibit back in 1978 at the LA County Museum of Art – I was too young at the time to appreciate or remember much of it, so I was excited to have another chance.
Now, almost 100 years after Carter’s phenomenal discovery on November 4, 1922, more than 160 treasures (some traveling outside of Egypt for the very first time) are making their way around the world again, possibly for the last time. These artifacts will then go on permanent display at the new Grand Egyptian museum in Cairo. Unfortunately, the iconic golden death mask and golden diadem are not included in this exhibition. There was a full-scale replica of the death mask in the gift shop. If you have a spare $25,000, you can take it home, provided no one has beaten you to it.
The IMAX movie – Mysteries of Egypt
This companion piece to the exhibit is a beautiful hour-long film, giving some history and context for the treasures you will see in the exhibit.
After another short film, we walked through the 9 galleries, spread out over 2 floors at the California Science Center, and I felt like we were venturing through chamber after chamber, seeing ever greater treasures –
until we reached the Colossal Quartzite statue of Tut, the finale of an epic journey through the underworld.
The Jewels
The jewelry was exquisite! These pieces have the tiniest of beads, such amazing artistry!
The same goes for this tiny little cribbage-looking game. It’s just a few inches long.
Here are just a few more of the beautiful treasures on display at the Science Center:
Many more treasures await you!
This exhibit was well worth the visit – very well curated. We were lucky enough to be there on a day that Dr. Zahi Hawass was signing copies of his books, so that was a bonus!
Archeologists believe they have uncovered only about 1/3 of ancient Egypt’s monuments. Can you imagine what we will discover as our technology improves?
Visitor’s Information:
The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, near the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the University of Southern California.
Since reservations are needed, we decided to see the movie first, (if you see the exhibit first, and you miss the movie time, you won’t get a refund) then we took our time visiting the exhibit. If you leave the exhibit, you won’t be allowed to re-enter.
The Science Center recommends you Ride the Metro Expo Line, the best way to get to the science center during peak periods. Parking and traffic in that area can be a nightmare.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm daily
Visit their website for information and to purchase tickets.:
http://californiasciencecenter.org
Ticket Prices:
IMAX Mysteries Of Egypt –
$7.95 – $8.95 for Adults; $6.75 – $7.95 for Child/Student; $7.95 for Seniors
King Tut Exhibit Tickets
$29.95 for Adults; $19.50-$26.95 for Child/Student; $26.95 for Seniors
On the way home, Husband asked, “What are you Googling?”
“Egyptian food. . .” I told him.
What a yummy adventure that turned out to be!
See that post below:
I was on the fence about seeing this exhibit, but now there is no way I’m missing it!
My daughter and I saw this at LACMA in 2005, but after 13 years it’d be like seeing it through fresh eyes. Ancient Egyptian history is fascinating, and the artifacts are beautiful!
Beginning in 1962, varied collections of Tut artifacts have toured the U.S. four times, including the current exhibit in the count. I have been fortunate enough to see all four exhibits. (Yup, I’m getting up there!)
The first three tours were really about the artifacts themselves and they were spectacular enough that they could carry the show.
The current exhibit stands apart from the others in that the the ample notes accompanying the artifacts position them in the context of the Egyptian religion and the social hierarchy. You get to see the artifacts but also have a much deeper cultural experience. Too bad the other tours were not organized as well as this one.
Not to be missed! Visit, if at all possible!