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WAM Boola Bardip ‘Discovering Ancient Egypt’

Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition. Source: WA Museum Boola Bardip.

Media Statement, Ancient Egyptian exhibition at WA Museum Boola Bardip revealed, Government of Western Australia, 12 May 2023

Tickets on sale now for a new major exhibition Discovering Ancient Egypt, which opens at the WA Museum Boola Bardip on 10 June 2023.

Perth is the first Australian city to present Discovering Ancient Egypt.

The exhibition explores ancient Egyptian civilisation and features over 240 rare artefacts from Rijksmuseum van Oudheden’s treasured collections in the Netherlands

Discovering Ancient Egypt focuses on new insights into ancient Egyptian culture made possible through excavation, 3D-scanning, and recent research

In an Australian-first, a new major exhibition, Discovering Ancient Egypt, is opening at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip on Saturday, 10 June 2023.

The exhibition features more than 240 ancient objects on loan from Rijksmuseum van Oudheden’s treasured Egyptian and Nubian collections in the Netherlands.

Visitors can take a fascinating journey into life on the Nile through six sections, from early European exploration into Egyptian culture and discovering how Egyptians lived and celebrated the afterlife.

Alongside digital experiences and hands-on activities, rare artefacts brought to WA include intricately decorated coffins and mummies, extracts from the Book of the Dead, jewellery, amulets, shabti, and other funerary objects and tools.

The exhibition will also reveal new insights into ancient Egyptian culture made possible through excavation, 3D-scanning and other recent research undertaken by Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and its partners, including recent CT scans of three mummified remains, with the results of the analysis being made public in Australia for the first time.

Visitors will also discover fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes insights into Rijksmuseum van Oudheden’s current research expeditions and its unique and ongoing working relationship with partners, Egyptian authorities, and communities to excavate archaeological sites in Egypt.

The exhibition has been brought to Australia by the WA Museum in partnership with Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, the National Museum of Australia, Queensland Museum and the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance.

Discovering Ancient Egypt runs from 10 June until 8 October 2023, open daily from 9.30am to 5pm. Ticket prices include $15 junior, $17.50 concession and $20 standard. A family pass is available for $60. Additional fees apply for entry into the Museum’s permanent galleries

Join the WA Museum’s membership program to access member discount tickets. Tickets go on sale to the public today.

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

“With its vast history and culture spanning more than 3000 years, ancient Egypt continues to fascinate people around the world.

“I am delighted to see WA Museum Boola Bardip partnering with world-renowned institutions such as Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in the Netherlands to bring the secrets of an ancient civilization to Western Australia.

“Discovering Ancient Egypt is not just an exhibition. It’s a journey along the Nile into the ancient Egyptian world, bringing together some of the world’s most ancient treasures.

“I encourage everyone to take part in this culturally rich and thought-provoking exhibition at WA Museum Boola Bardip this winter.”

Minister’s office: 6552 5400