Who hasn’t heard about the pharaohs, the Valley of the Kings and the many other wonders of Egypt? It’s only fueled umpteen Hollywood movies, not to mention newsy specials and exhibitions. That’s probably what will get you interested in the latest great exhibition, “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and The Great Pharoahs,” on display at the transformed Atlanta Civic Center from November 15, 2008 to May 25, 2009. Here’s a few more reasons why you shouldn’t miss it.
What makes this exhibit special?
More than 130 ancient Egyptian treasures, including about 50 items from the actual tomb of King Tutankhamun, representing 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history from the 4th Dynasty into the late period, (that’s about 2600 B.C. – 600 B.C.), are on display. There are also a little more than 70 other artifacts from other pharaohs and luminaries in the exhibition as well. The overall exhibit actually presents a more continuous glimpse into Egyptian history, instead of the usual bits and pieces.
Surprising King Tut facts:
One of the last kings of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, Tutankhamun, wasn’t very well-known in Egyptian history or by the world until British explorer Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922. He was also very young, not to mention very small judging by the actual bed he slept on. Interestingly, he became king around age 8 or 9 and died at either age 18 or 19. Egyptologists are still working that one out. He was considered so insignificant that his tomb was small and sparsely decorated by pharaoh standards.
Special Touches:
- The Civic Center décor is completely Egyptian. There’s even Egyptian detailing at the Cairo Café.
- Harrison Ford narrates the audio tour ($7) and the accompanying 3-D film, “Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies ($5).
- The last gallery of the exhibition features CT scans of King Tut.You can rent out the space for special events and party like a pharaoh.
- There’s a tricked-out Egyptian gift shop where you can buy Egyptian-themed mirrors, fashionable scarves, in addition to some educational items.
Why it will wow you?
You’ve probably never seen this much about the lives of pharaohs. There’s a religion aspect and a gallery about the family and private life in addition to Tutankhamun’s burial chamber. Visitors also get to witness some Egyptian bling. If that doesn’t satisfy you, how about learning more than you could ever imagine about how they got mummified to be with us to this very day?
The King that keeps giving:
When you visit King Tut, don’t forget your Tutlanta Gold Pass. It has roughly $925 worth of savings, including discounts at more than 20 restaurants as well as some complimentary items. Some of the restaurant stars in the line-up include Agave, Trois, City Grill, Dolce, Geisha House, Stats, Peasant Bistro, Tap and TWO urban licks but the list, as they say, goes on and on.
Your pet can even get in on the action at places such as the Atlanta Dog Spa and Piedmont Bark. Circuit Tan, Julio Cesar’s Salan & Spa, Nani Salon & Spa and Urban Body Fitness are helping you maintain those royal looks, while Laced-Up is selling a custom sneaker and sandals for the occasion. You can even get special deals at other city attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Georgia Aquarium.
Should you have relatives in town or simply want to enjoy a staycation, there are special packages at varying rates at Marriott Hotels, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and both of the Ritz-Carltons.
