NGV unveils blockbuster ancient Egyptian exhibition

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) presents Pharaoh, a landmark exhibition celebrating ancient Egyptian art and culture spanning 3000 years, running until October 6.

In collaboration with the British Museum as part of NGV’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces, the exhibition features more than 500 artefacts loaned from the British Museum’s prestigious collection, including sculptures, tomb and temple structures, coffins, funerary objects, and a display ancient Egyptian jewellery.

Curated specifically for the NGV, Pharaoh is the British Museum’s largest international exhibition in its 270-year history, with many of the works on display in Australia for the first time.

“Pharaoh will introduce a new generation of visitors to the perennially fascinating visual culture of ancient Egypt through an unprecedented exhibition of sculpture, architecture, jewellery and more from the British Museum in London,” NGV director, Tony Elmwood AM said.

“The NGV’s exhibition places precedence on the exceptional craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians, highlighting their refined artistic sensibility and technical skill.”

Covering the period from the first Dynasty to the Roman era, Pharaoh delves into the lives, myths, and iconography of Egypt’s successive rulers such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Queen Nefertari, Khufu (builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza), and foreign leaders such as Alexander the Great.

In addition to Pharaoh, the NGV has curated the free exhibition, Ancient Egypt for Kids, designed to engage young audiences through interactive activities exploring Egyptian art and culture.

The gallery will also host NGV Friday Nights throughout the exhibition period, offering a unique, after-dark experiences for visitors each week from June to October.

“Pharaoh is the largest ancient Egyptian exhibition ever mounted in this country, and we are proud to showcase this international exclusive in Melbourne,” Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.

“We’re proud to back this monumental exhibition, which marks 20 years of backing blockbuster art and culture exhibitions that have captivated audiences of all ages and drawn millions of visitors from across the state, country and beyond.” •