Discovering Ancient Egypt – National Museum Australia

Explore the wonders of ancient Egypt at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra with the “Discovering Ancient Egypt” exhibition, running from December 15, 2023, to September 8, 2024.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt through a captivating display featuring over 220 artifacts from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.

Delve into daily life along the Nile with intricately decorated coffins, excerpts from the Book of the Dead, and a diverse collection of art, jewelry, sculptures, and everyday items such as household pottery and objects for worship. Step into a life-sized temple re-creation, witness depictions of Egyptian gods like Isis and Horus, and participate in hands-on activities to experience the ancient world.

The exhibition not only sheds light on the religious beliefs of ancient Egypt but also explores the journey to the eternal afterlife. Beyond the impressive artifacts, the exhibition highlights the history of discovery, prompting visitors to contemplate the role of museums in collaboration with Egyptian communities to document and present ancient cultures. Key moments in Egyptian archaeology, including the unearthing of the Rosetta Stone and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, are explored alongside the Dutch museum’s own archaeological findings, spanning decades, including those at the ancient burial grounds of Saqqara.

Tickets for this enlightening journey into ancient Egypt are available for purchase at the reception. Don’t miss the opportunity to be captivated by the fascinating legacy of this extraordinary civilisation.

Image: Inner coffin of Amenhotep (detail), 21st Dynasty, about 1076–944 BCE, Thebes, Egypt © Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
The presentation of the exhibition is a collaboration between the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden, the Netherlands), the National Museum of Australia, the Western Australian Museum and the Queensland Museum Network.