Get ready: King Tut mania is about to descend on Seattle.
In 1978, “The Treasures of Tutankhamun” exhibit was held in Seattle, drawing well over one million visitors to the city. Now history will repeat itself when “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” returns to Seattle his spring, running from May 24, 2012 to January 6, 2013 at the Pacific Science Center. Tickets are now on sale to the general public. Seattle is the last stop for these prized artifacts before they return to Egypt and their new home at the Grand Egyptian Museum being constructed in Giza.
A preview held last week gave a sneak peak of the space in which the exhibit will be displayed — like being allowed onto a construction site in its very early stages. The currently bare rooms will be filled by over 100 artifacts when work is finally completed (the exhibit is currently still running in Houston). The first half of the exhibit will focus on Egyptian history provide context for the artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb. An original music score, emulating the music of 3000 years ago, will provide a suitably atmospheric touch.
King Tut was born around 1343 BC in Akhetaten, now known as Amarna, became king when he was 9 or 10, and died around 1323 BC. His tomb was robbed after his death, then lay undiscovered until modern times. British Egyptologist Howard Carter finally discovered the tomb in 1922.
The exhibit promises to display some spectacular artifacts, such as a 10 foot statue of Tut — the largest image of the king ever unearthed. There will be a 3D replica of his mummy — the original has never left Egypt — and items like the specially designed gold sandals that were made for the king to wear in his afterlife. The tomb also contained four “coffinettes”; miniature coffins that held his internal organs, one of which will be on display. There will also be items related to other pharaohs.
Tickets will be time-stamped, which should eliminate the lines that attendees of the 1978 exhibit can still recall, and due to the show’s popularity advance purchase is advised. You can also add an audio guide (narrated by Harrison Ford) or IMAX film to your ticket (both Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs and Mysteries of Egypt will be running). Check the Pacific Science Center's website for more info.
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