HMNS’ World Premiere Exhibition “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” and the New Hall of Ancient Egypt Now Open

 “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs”—a partnership between the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities in Cairo, produced by Cityneon and World Heritage Exhibitions—has begun its six-year, 10-city world tour in Houston.

Tickets to this world premiere exhibition also allow patrons exclusive access to the new Hall of Ancient Egypt. This historic pairing is available only at HMNS through June 19, 2022.

“We are thrilled in our partnership with Cityneon and World Heritage Exhibitions to debut this impressive museum exhibition here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science,” said Museum President & CEO 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.”

Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs offers aunique insight into the life of Ramses the Great, including a stunningly preserved collection of artifacts, including sarcophagi, animal mummies, magnificent jewelry, spectacular royal masks, exquisite amulets, showcasing the superb workmanship of Egyptian artists. 

Enhance your experience in virtual reality

“Ramses & Nefertari: Journey to Osiris,” an immersive VR experience, takes you on a whirlwind tour of two of Ramses’ most impressive monuments, Abu Simbel and Nefertari’s Tomb. 

The experience is led by the ghostly incarnation of Ramses’ illustrious wife, Nefertari, as she attempts to make it back to the afterlife and her loving husband. Nefertari will share how Ramses transformed Egypt as a general, architect, and custodian of the ancient Egyptian religion. With cinematic motion chairs, viewers will fly through temples, sandstorms, and come face-to-face with Ramses’ mummy. Separate ticket required.

Inside the adjacent gallery, the new completely re-imagined 12,500 sq. ft.  Hall of Ancient Egypt includes 92 cases of objects, some over 5,000 years old. The exhibit is arranged over eight rooms, covering many aspects of ancient Egyptian life, including fashion, religious devotion, mummification, and burial. Newly available pieces have been carefully selected by HMNS Curator Tom Hardwick to tell a more in-depth story of this enigmatic civilization than ever before.

The Hall of Ancient Egypt is generously supported by Apache Corporation and Paula and Rusty Walter.

Tickets are on sale now. Admission to Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs is $20 for members; $35 for adults; $27 for children and seniors (60+). Visit HMNS.org for tickets and information.

PHOTOS: V. SWEETEN