The exhibition “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” opened 20 November 2021 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS).
The exhibition was opened by Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), who was joined by archaeologist Zahi Hawass, former Minister of Antiquities; Khaled Rizk, Consul-General of the Egyptian Consulate at Houston; Mrs Lamia’ Kamel, Egyptian Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; as well as a number of Egyptologists, intellectuals, public figures, and politicians.
The exhibition has been produced by Cityneon and World Heritage Exhibitions according to a partnership between the HMNS and the Egyptian SCA. A protocol was signed last September between the two sides on holding the exhibition “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” at the museum in Houston for six months starting 20 November 2021. The protocol was signed by Mr Waziri and Joel Bartsch, President and CEO of the museum. [https://en.wataninet.com/culture/antiquity_/ramses-the-great-and-gold-of-pharaohs-in-houston/36531/ ]
Before opening day, Mr Waziri said he had followed up on all the equipment related to the exhibition, including showcases, guiding signs, and cautionary measures.
The exhibition organisers said that some 8000 tickets had been sold during the first few hours of opening, and it is expected that around 700,000 visitors would visit the exhibition within the coming few months.
Ms Kamel noted that the HMNS Hall of Ancient Egypt, which hosts the exhibition, has been equipped with a number of screens to display the tourism promotion event for reopening Luxor’s ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes in a major ceremony on 25 November, so that visitors would be able to watch the event online.
On an area of completely re-imagined 12,500 sq ft space the exhibition showcases 181 rare Egyptian artefacts. According to museum officials, visitors would be able to stroll among the colossal statues and ancient artefacts while learning about the life of the Pharaoh Ramses II. The exhibition also includes a multimedia recreation of the Battle of Kadesh, which is thought to be the largest chariot battle in history. Guests would uncover an incredible collection of artefacts on this journey, from ornate jewelry to animal mummies and sarcophagi. Additionally, the exhibition welcomes its visitors by showing never-before-seen drone footage acquired with unprecedented access to many of Egypt’s most iconic locations, providing a dramatic panoramic view of Egypt and unique insight into the life of Ramses the Great.
“This exhibition is unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” said Ron Tan, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Cityneon Holdings, the brain trust behind the exhibition. “Visitors would not only walk among priceless relics of the great pharaoh but also experience the sights and sounds of the time through a cutting-edge virtual reality experience.”
“We are privileged to announce this world premiere exhibition for the City of Houston,” said Museum President Joel Bartsch. “Our visitors can expect nothing short of a first-class, magnificent journey into the conquests of Ramses the Great and the wonderful antiquities born out of the talented artisans and builders of Egypt’s long and prosperous history.”
Watani International
21 November 2021