Macquarie University and the Australian Museum have co-curated the Gateway to Egypt program, an exclusive series of lectures, conversations and activities that will provide a unique and inspiring experience for members of the public.
The program will run from 18 November 2023 until 19 May 2024, and will feature spotlight tours with experts, exclusive after-hours access to the exhibition, captivating talks and lectures, and engaging discussions with some of Australia’s leading Egyptologists and archaeologists.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Australian Museum for the Gateway to Egypt program,” says Professor Ronika Power, from the Department of History and Archaeology. “It showcases the exceptional contributions Australian scholars are making to the history and archaeology of Egypt.
“This is the perfect platform to share our experts’ wealth of knowledge and experiences, live and in-person with the Australian community.”
Researchers from Macquarie University’s Department of History and Archaeology, the Australian Centre for Egyptology (ACE) and other invited guests will lead the program of events, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this fascinating pharaoh and his historical and cultural context and legacy.
Macquarie University students will also play a key role, with postgraduate researchers providing special tours and undergraduate students acting as volunteer guides throughout the exhibition’s duration.
“The world of Ramses II is a speciality at Macquarie University. We teach the language [and] the history and dig the tombs,” says Dr Karin Sowada, Director of the University’s Australian Centre for Egyptology. “Our Egyptology team is thrilled to help exhibition visitors discover this fascinating era.”
Russell Briggs, Australian Museum Chief Experience Officer, said the partnership is the perfect complement to the historic exhibition.
“Co-creating the public program for Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs with Macquarie University is a wonderful meeting of minds,” he says. “Their scholars along with our Museum team have collaborated on a truly exceptional set of talks and tours.
“Visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to taking a deeper dive into ancient Egypt to enhance their exhibition experience. We thank Macquarie University for this exciting collaboration.”
The Gateway to Egypt program will include:
- Tomb Talks – History… with a touch of harissa! In the Tomb Talks series, held on the second Tuesday of each month, audiences will enjoy conversation with Australia's leading experts in Egyptology and archaeology, a welcome drink and canapés, and then skip the queue for entry into the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition. This experience comes complete with an exclusive spotlight tour with specialist academics sharing the stories behind their favourite objects.
- Saturday Lecture Series – A monthly lecture series sure to captivate anyone looking to deepen their understanding of ancient Egypt. Covering themes such as the afterlife of Ramses II's tomb and the architecture of Abu Simbel, this fascinating series connects audiences with Australia’s finest scholars. This is the program's most detailed and rigorous exploration of ancient Egypt.
- Egypt in Conversation – Explore everything from hieroglyphs to hidden histories in these accessible and engrossing discussions about ancient Egypt. Travel back in time with some of Australia’s leading Egyptologists and archaeologists as they chat with special guest hosts on topics inspired by the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition. Held on the second Wednesday of each month.
- Egypt Unearthed: Breakfast Behind the Scenes – Start the day in the best possible way with fascinating tales from the finest in their field, a delicious shakshuka breakfast and exclusive guided out-of-hours access to Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition. Held on the third Wednesday of each month, this is a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with a prominent Egyptology or archaeology expert and hear tales of what life is really like in the field, while enjoying a delicious Egyptian-inspired meal.
Further information about the Australian Museum’s public program for Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs can be found here: A Gateway to Egypt programs - The Australian Museum.
About the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition:
This all-new multisensory museum experience provides visitors with a window into the life and accomplishments of Ramses II, more commonly known as Ramses the Great, who ruled Egypt for 67 years – the second longest reign for any pharaoh, living an astonishing 92 years. Exclusive to Sydney, Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs features 181 priceless artefacts from the Grand Egyptian Museum, many representing the exceptional pharaoh himself and many of which have never left Egypt before. On this immersive journey, visitors will discover a stunningly preserved collection of artefacts, including sarcophagi, animal mummies, magnificent jewellery, spectacular royal masks, exquisite amulets, and ornate golden treasures from the tomb, showcasing the superb workmanship of Egyptian artisans.
The exhibition also features a virtual reality experience that will take visitors on a whirlwind tour of two of Ramses' most impressive monuments: the temples of Abu Simbel and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, the favourite Royal Consort of Pharaoh Ramses II. In cinematic motion chairs, viewers will fly through temples and sandstorms, and even come face –to face with Ramses' mummy.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is both educational and exhilarating. Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs will give visitors an up-close look into the life, achievements and stunning monuments of Ramses the Great.
