As you enter the main hall at the Australian Museum, you are instantly greeted by a Sphinx and transported to the Temple of Abu Simbel as you wait to be in the presence of Egypt's most greatest pharoahs, Ramses II.
Curated by the World's leading Egyptologist and "the Indiana Jones of Archaeology", Dr Zahi Hawass, he has brought over 180 ancient treasures to Sydney which has now been visited by over 350,000 people who are curious and fascinated at one of histories greatest civilisations.
Originally titled "King Tutankhamun and the Gold of the Pharoahs" Dr Zahi Hawass had promised Australian Museum Curator and Director, Kim McKay, treasures and artefacts belonging to the famous boy Pharoah however due to border restrictions and the pandemic, this had put everything on hold. In its place however, Dr Hawass guarteed something..... Greater, Ramses The Great.
(The outer coffin of Ramses II)
The exhibition showcased the life of Egypt's 2nd longest reigning Pharoah (living for almost 90 years and ruled for 60 years) and his accomplishments as a builder, warrior, diplomat, father and ruler. Bringing Egypt out of a dark age into an new age of prosperity and wealth. The exhibition wasn't just about him though, there was artefacts from the Queen's and Kings of Egypt's during its 3000 year history including the priceless golden masks of Amenemope, the exquisite carved sarcophagi of Sennedjem, the extraordinary necklace of Psusennes, and mummified animals including cats, crocodiles, and even a lion cub. Some artefacts that haven't left the sands of Egypt till now.
Each section of the two levels in the gallery was hand crafted to tell a story of Egypt from it's detailed architecture, the lives of its people, the power of hieroglyphs, the sacred importance of the afterlife and the respect the mummified pharoahs are given in modern museums.
If you are lucky, you can take part in a VR experience where you can step into Ramses II famous temple at Abu Simbel and a tour of the Tomb of Queen Nefertari (Ramses wife). Booking is recommended as it sells out all sessions everyday due to popularity.
Having been exposed to Egypt through movies such as The Prince of Egypt and The Mummy Franchise, buying statues of the Egyptian gods at the news agency fortnightly and learning about it in early high school, it felt like an old friend had come to visit. I have visited the exhibition at least......3 times I think and I recommend to take your time going through all the rooms. It's alot of information and items to sink in. The Australian Museum had hosted weekly lectures with different topics with Sydney's top professors at UNSW to spark more of my curiosity. Last week, the museum host a special lecture with Dr Zahi Hawass at Sydney Grammar to talk about his career and current archaeological research/excavations he's working on and a exclusive book signing. Having seen him on nearly every Egyptian history documentary, it was great to see the rockstar of archaeology up close.
Ramses & The Gold of the Pharoahs leaves Sydney in 4 weeks on the 19th of May. Be sure to pay a visit before Ramses packs up and returns back home. Also make sure to enter the special competition at the end of the exhibition to win the ultimate travel voucher to Egypt worth $20,000 thanks to Adventure World. I am certainly considering travelling to Egypt next year. It will be a trip well remembered for all time like Ramses The Great himself.
Get Your Tickets Here: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/ramses
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