Mummification, the underworld, the grave and the afterlife take centre stage for the next year at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria. The exhibit Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life shares rituals, beliefs and artistry that supported this complex civilization’s transition from one existence to the afterlife. Hands-on activities and a virtual three-dimensional ride through the Egyptian underworld also create physical experiences designed for children and families. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests to a new look at a familiar topic,” museum CEO Allison Bond said in
a news release. “Over the past 25 years, ancient Egypt has consistently been among our most popular exhibition themes, so we know people are still interested and still feel like they have more to learn about this incredibly complex ancient civilization.” READ ALSO: ‘Doing it for pops’: Victoria News rider Tony Trozzo takes on Tour de Rock READ ALSO: Micro grants of love: Victoria grassroots charity funds youth building community The 9,000 square foot exhibition features about 250 original ancient objects, immersive films, ambient sounds
and scientifically reconstructed ancient Egyptian scents. Intimate, atmospheric spaces recreate a journey through death, rebirth and the afterlife. The exhibition’s narrative concentrates on the classical pharaonic period, known as the Age of the Pyramids, and includes objects from the Late and Greco-Roman periods. Items on display include striking embellished coffins, powerful grave goods, jewelry, and everyday objects once intended to accompany souls into eternity. Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life, produced by MuseumsPartner in Austria, in cooperation with Moesgaard Museum, Denmark, runs at the Royal BC
Museum and until Jan. 3, 2027. Visitors should note that the exhibit contains rare earth magnets that can create strong fields that may interfere with medical devices or other magnetically sensitive medical equipment. Visit rbcm.ca for admission information. READ ALSO: You can thank bats for tequila’ and other juicy tidbits as B.C. bats emerge READ ALSO: Metchosin singer songwriter launches much-adored Love You Man Do you have a story tip? Email: christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca.
Royal BC Museum, Victoria museum, Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life, ancient Egypt exhibition, mummification, Egyptian underworld, afterlife, coffins, grave goods, rare earth magnets, kids and families
Rare earth magnets?? So like it’s basically a sci-fi exhibit and not even real history lol
My kids would love the underworld ride thing, but the magnets warning is kinda scary. Are they gonna make people sick if you have a pacemaker??
Wait it says 250 “original” objects but then also virtual 3-D and scents… so are the objects real or just props? I feel like museums always say original and then it’s like 10 real things.
I don’t get why they need to recreate afterlife with ambient sounds and reconstructed scents, like the dead don’t care. Also magnets interfering with medical devices sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Maybe they should just put the coffins behind glass and leave the rest out, kids don’t need creepy grave vibes.