TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb Special exhibition OPENS at the SWFL Museum of History! 

Discover the mysteries and treasures of ancient Egypt when King Tut is resurrected at the SWFL Museum of History in the much-anticipated exhibit, Tutankhamun: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, opening January 16^th.

Journey into King Tut’s tomb and allow hieroglyphs to serve as your guide.  See more than 100 spectacular authentic replicas of his stunning funerary mask, mummification couch, weapons, tools, and more, that were placed within the tomb to help meet the Boy King’s post-mortem needs on his journey to the afterlife.  Learn the story and explore the mystery surrounding the youngest and most recognizable pharaoh ever unearthed in Egypt.  Majesty and mystery unfold in this astonishing exhibit presenting faithfully-reproduced replicas of original artifacts that will never be seen outside Egypt.

Egypt’s mystique remains unsurpassed. Lands divided, conquered, and united were presided over by a succession of Pharaohs for 4,000 years. However, it is what lies beneath, that continues to capture man’s imagination. Yet, one Pharaoh whose short life might have passed into obscurity would emerge 34 centuries after his death and reveal the richest treasures, and one of the greatest discoveries in history.

It was made possible by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 by intrepid explorer, Howard Carter and his benefactor, Lord Carnarvon. At the tomb opening, Carter followed by Carnarvon, peered through the broken seal of the door stamped with a royal necropolis. When asked by Lord Carnarvon if he could see anything, Howard Carter responded, “Yes, wonderful things.”

Unearthing Tut’s burial chambers and tomb – the only complete royal tomb ever found – was only the beginning of Tut’s story. With the discovery of his tomb, King Tut has ensured his place in history forever just as he sought immortality in the afterlife. The mostly intact nature of the tomb (despite early attempts by grave robbers), allowed historians to piece together the life story of the boy king and the 18^th Dynasty. What emerged from Tutankhamun’s tomb was a story of ancient Egypt and his place in it, the politics, the belief in afterlife and its processes including mummification, the Book of the Dead, and the use of hieroglyphs, as well as a fabled curse and the ongoing mystery surrounding Tut’s death at just 18 or 19 years old.

The majesty of ancient Egypt and the Boy King come to life as guests enter the Museum’s recreated tomb, where authentic replicas – crafted by Egyptians from the Pharaonic Village in Cairo – set the scene for guests to experience the splendor of Tutankhamun’s burial place and learn more about ancient Egypt. Ten years in the making, from those artisans and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this dazzling collection of reproductions highlights some of the most sacred and personal possessions of the King Tut and ancient Egyptian artifacts that will never be seen in one assembly outside Egypt. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore each of the four chambers of the Pharaoh’s tomb and the unique artifacts that were uncovered, in this exhibit presented by the Origins Museum Institute and the SWFL Museum of History Foundation, Inc.

In addition to the popular traveling exhibit, Tutankhamun: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, guests will enjoy the Museum’s many displays and artifacts tracing the prehistoric to present-day history of Southwest Florida, which includes a 1929 Pullman railcar, a replica Cracker House, and 1926 France LaPumper. The Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesdays thru Sundays and closed on Mondays. Admission is $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for Lee County residents and seniors (65+), and $5 for students with ID.

A narrated audio tour for the King Tut exhibit with a featured family/children’s version, is available for an additional wand fee of $3 to further enhance the exhibit experience. A printed guidebook in Spanish is also available. Group and student tours are available but must be reserved in advance. Educational materials including a comprehensive guide for students and families are available for download on the Museum website.

The Museum has scheduled its monthly Author’s Evening March 24 to feature Edison State College Professor Adrian Kerr, an Egyptologist and narrator of the Museum’s Tutankhamun exhibit audio tour.

The Author’s Evening will feature Prof. Kerr's multi-media presentation on his archeological work in Egypt and his new book, Ancient Egypt and Us as well as dessert from Mason's Bakery. The event is scheduled for Wed, March 24th at 6 pm and is just $10 per person. Reservations are required by calling 239-321-7430.

Additionally, in support of the Museum’s Tutankhamun: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb exhibit, Prof. Kerr will present a 3-Part Lecture series with multi-media about King Tut’s life and ancient Egypt. This special series is scheduled for Tuesdays 6-7:30 pm on March 30th, April 27th, May 25th at the Imaginarium (due to seating space). Cost is $15 per person per event or $40 for the package of 3. Call 239-321-7430 or email: museuminfo@cityftmyers.com

For more information about the Museum please call 239-321-7430 or visit our web site at www.swflmuseumofhistory.com.

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