Ancient Egypt has not only captured the hearts of history enthusiasts, but its an era that has entered the mainstream’s interest also. It’s weaved its legacy into popular culture through books, film and television, and by boasting some of history’s biggest names and legends: King Tutankhamun, Queen Cleopatra (not to mention her empire-transcending romances), and of course, the Pyramids of Giza. Still, Egypt is unfortunately not as accessible to the everyday traveler as its other ancient counterparts like Rome or Athens. Lucky for Sydney-siders however, the Australian Museum is hosting a lengthy, impressive exhibition which offers visitors an unprecedented look into the decorated lives of Ancient Egypt’s most revered royalty: ‘Ramses: Gold of the Pharaohs’.
Venturing into the realm of ancient Egypt, the multisensory museum experience offered a captivating glimpse into the life and legacy of Ramses II, famously known as Ramses the Great. He might not be the first pharaoh to spring to mind when you think of ancient Egyptian royalty, but the exhibition will equip you with all the knowledge you need to understand why his legacy is so long-lasting. The display is larger than I’d anticipated, and spans across two levels of the museum. Boasting over 150 unique relics which provide an insight into how ancient Egypt operated, and the opulence that Egyptian royalty enjoyed as commonplace, using the life and triumphs of Ramses II as its guiding narrative. It’s amazing to see just how advanced ancient Egyptian society ran, from the impressive feat of building a pyramid and everything it housed, to the incredibly nuanced work of mummifying both people and animals. The exhibition is equal parts educational, entertaining, and awe-inspiring.
Your regular ticket will offer you a complete walkthrough of the collection, which takes approximately an hour to view, and includes modern accompaniments like projections and audio-visual aids. For something a little more immersive however, there is also a virtual reality experience that you can opt for. I wasn’t able to experience this on my visit as tickets had been booked out for the next few hours, but I’ve heard it’s a highly-recommended addition to your tour.
"Ramses & Gold of the Pharaohs" is not merely an exhibition; it is a rare glimpse into a fascinating, advanced society that has shaped how we operate today, even on the other side of the world. It is a tribute to the enduring legacy of one of history's greatest rulers while also offering Australians the opportunity to immerse themselves in history’s greatest empire from the comfort of their own backyard. For anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of ancient Egypt, this is an experience not to be missed.
Ramses: Gold of the Pharaohs is running until May 19, 2024. Tickets can be purchased via the link here.
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