Battersea is hosting an international exhibition of treasures which showcase the reign of King Ramses II – many of which have never been seen outside Egypt, writes Romilly Schulte…
Ramses and the Pharoah’s Gold showcases nearly 200 priceless items, including sarcophagi, jewellery and mummified creatures, and proudly displays Ramses II’s wooden coffin as an impressive highlight of the show.
The exhibition, hosted at NEON Battersea, is shown in partnership with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiques and The Egyptian Museum.
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, the Secretary-General of Antiquities of Egypt, said: “London is about to witness something extraordinary. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity for people to come face to face with the world of Ramses in all its glory.”
Historian Dan Snow is the lead storyteller at Ramses and the Pharaoah’s Gold, and will narrate the 66 year reign of the figure he deems to be “Egypt’s greatest pharaoh”.
“In a world that often feels fast and fleeting, there is something profoundly grounding about standing inches from the 3,000-year-old coffin that once held Ramses II’s mummy. It obliterates the centuries that lie between then and now,” said Snow.
“This exhibition stiffens the sinews, and quickens the pulse. It makes the distant past tangible. State-of-the-art virtual reality and immersive storytelling mean we are no longer observers; we are transported,” he added.
The exhibition is being hosted at NEON in Battersea Power Station as part of its global tour, following acclaimed stints in Paris, San Francisco, Sydney and Tokyo.
This is the second Ramses II travelling exhibition to reach great acclaim, following a buzzworthy US show in 1986.
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Dr Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, said: “The ancient Egyptian civilisation stands as one of humanity’s earliest and most distinguished cultural foundations.
“Its continued global acclaim attests to the enduring fascination with Egypt’s cultural heritage.”
The show’s London arrival marks Battersea as one of the city’s major cultural hubs following the power station’s redevelopment, with the exhibition space previously hosting the popular Jurassic World immersive experience.
Ron Ran, Group CEO of Neon, said: “we look forward to welcoming London to discover the richness, legacy and enduring fascination of Ramses the Great through this world-class experience.”
The exhibition will run until 31 May. Adult tickets will cost £24.55. They can be booked here.
