October 19, 2004

This summer the Royal British Columbia Museum is presenting the exhibit Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from the British Museum in conjunction with the Imax feature Mysteries of Egypt. The presentation, which includes 144 pieces from the British Museum’s collections, is a highly educational look at Egyptian civilization as it developed over more than 3000 years. This wonderfully organized multimedia exhibit provides museum patrons with a detailed look at some of the many mysteries and treasures of ancient Egypt.

The organisation of the 144 varied pieces was orchestrated masterfully to highlight the unique features of the each piece. The designers of this exhibit have utilized neutral colours, soft lighting and a series of small rooms to create a calm atmosphere that does not detract from the works of Egyptian art that are showcased. Within this peaceful environment the crowds become quiet and each piece commands its own space. A number of carved heads are raised several feet above the floor to imitate their former position atop of great statues. By far the most impressive head is that of Amenhotep III. This head once topped a colossal statue that was eight meters high. This artifact is best viewed while standing directly beneath it receiving the full impact of those strange eyes that appear to be gazing directly downwards. This unique feature illustrates the impressive skill of the sculptor who carved those slanted eyes from a block of Quartzite. Other pieces of Egyptian art are located in more central positions to allow them to be viewed on all sides. Lying in the centre of one room is an awe inspiring, red granite Lion. This statue, carved during the reign of Amenhotep III, is another stunning example of Egyptian artistry. The stone creature’s amazingly realistic lines can be attributed to many years of refining the carving process in Egypt.
The Lion of Amenhotep III, as well as all the other pieces, are skilfully arranged to make a powerful impression on the viewer.

The exhibit is enriched by a wealth of interesting historical information available throughout the exhibit on plaques, larger signs and is also communicated through the audio tour. Each piece in the exhibit is accompanied by a plaque that details its age, material of composition and a short description. Larger signs offer information on the rise and fall of Pharaohs, definitions of terms such as “nemes” or “uraeus”, and details of Persian and Greek invasions. The audio tour is an especially effective tool in communicating information about the pieces in the exhibit. A narrator and various specialists comment on the piece that is currently being used. The use of individual, hand-held devices allows museum patrons to personalize their viewing experience. The wealth of infromation available, combined with the calm setting and strategic placement of all the Egyptian pieces, facilitates a enriching, self-paced investigation of Ancient Egypt. The various levels of information available ensure that the exhibit is accessible to a variety of people. The exhibit can be viewed and admired or studied deeply; Children, students and adults can enjoy it.

The addition of the Imax feature Mysteries of Egypt to the Royal British Columbia Museum’s exhibit Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from the British Museum, is quite effective in summarising the entire exhibit. It is not unusual to spend more than two hours viewing the exhibit. Following such a long period of standing and walking it is relaxing to sit in the soft seats of the National Geographic Theatre and enjoy the film. The massive screen allows for breathtaking views of the Nile River, dessert sands and the famous pyramids. Some of the cinematography is a little disconcerting as the camera soars high above the Nile River and plunges over fantastic waterfalls. Sitting further back in the theatre can minimize the dizzying effects of the camera work. The storyline is adequate and narrated professionally. The actors are believable in the roles they play and present a number of important themes that permeate the Eternal Egypt exhibit. The narrator focuses on what can be learned from the remnants of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Following the film the viewer should have a more rounded understanding of ancient Egypt. Central to this understanding is the realisation that ancient Egypt is still primarily a mystery to the modern world. This exhibit allows patrons to experience the thrill of exploration and gain some insight into what motivates archeologists and scholars to continue their in-depth exploration of ancient Egypt.

The Royal British Columbia Museum’s exhibit Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from the British Museum combined with the presentation of Mysteries of Egypt in the National Geographic Theatre is a masterfully organised multimedia exhibit of Egyptian art that provides a detailed look at some of the many mysteries and treasures of ancient Egypt. This exhibit was supported by a number of sponsors, including the American Federation of the Arts, The British Museum and the Ford Motor Company Fund. This exhibit runs from ____ to ______. Although the exhibit will soon be closed it will undoubtedly be followed by more expertly organised exhibitions of art and history.