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Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:19 pm
by MichelleH
Due to massive public demand Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures, the first big public exhibition at Manchester’s “Museum of Museums” part of the Event City complex at the Trafford Centre is to be extended for an extra 4 weeks and will now close on Saturday, 26 March 2011, before heading to Brussels, where the show will open later in April.

Since opening on 22 October over 100,000 visitors including 15,000 school children have seen the spectacular reconstruction of the famous Pharaoh’s tomb and treasures, which has been hailed a huge success by the exhibition’s organisers and ‘Museum of Museums’ management.

Christoph Scholz the exhibition’s Senior Producer said:
“Our success in Manchester is further proof of the strong links between Britain and Egypt. Two major Egyptian shows – “The Book of the Dead” at London’s British Museum and our new replica concept in Manchester’s new exhibition complex – are proving the love of ancient culture in the UK. It’s pleasing to see, that the audiences in the Northwest has accepted a new and even controversial exhibition concept outside of the city’s established Museums and Galleries.”

Tutankhamun - His Tomb and His Treasures whisks visitors off to an enigmatic world of pyramids, mummies and hieroglyphics. Ticket holders can see for themselves the one and only complete reconstruction of the most fascinating tomb in human history, with the treasures on show recreated to museum quality. The reconstruction, built to the exact dimensions of the original, presents the funerary treasure of the legendary pharaoh, just as Howard Carter discovered it in 1922.

The news of the exhibition’s extension comes just as Dr. Zahi Hawass; Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities announced that the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt will be closed to the public - being favoured by a replica tomb, which will be opened by the end of 2011. The replica tomb will draw tourists away from the delicate, ancient site, preventing further damage to the Boy King’s final resting place and preserving it for future generations. This is a topic Dr Hawass is sure to speak about when he makes a rare trip to the UK on Friday 4th February to present a lecture on Tutankhamun at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. The lecture has been organised by the Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures exhibition team and will serve as a perfect accompaniment to the exhibit itself.

The preservation and conservation of ancient antiquities and monuments is of such concern that many historic treasures the world over can no longer be displayed in museums. This is why the Manchester exhibition, rather than displaying a handful of the original treasures, lavishly creates the entire, magnificently coloured burial chamber of Tutankhamun, with over 1,000 replicas approved by renowned Egyptologists, ensuring that this precious world heritage remains intact and highlighting the need for exhibitions such as Tutankhamun for both educational and entertainment purposes.

Situated adjacent to the famous Trafford Centre, Tutankhamum – His Tomb and His Treasures is the perfect location for couples and families who are planning a day or two in Manchester, being a short journey from the city centre and its other tourist attractions.

The exhibition has a number of other exciting events planned in for the whole family to enjoy over the coming months including The Museum of Museum’s evening, a fundraiser for Manchester Museum on 27th January, including a book signing from Horrible Histories creator Tony Deary and the chance to win a book worth over £2600 in addition to the continuation of the Family Fun Days and a plethora of family activities taking place across February Half Term.

Bookings for the extended booking period are on sale now. Make sure you catch this incredible exhibition, which continues to thrill visitors, while you can. Visit http://www.tutankhamunmanchester.com for more information.



LISTING INFORMATION
TUTANKHAMUN – HIS TOMB AND HIS TREASURES
MUST CLOSE 26 MARCH
Museum of Museums, the Trafford Centre, Manchester, M41 7TB.
Daily from 10am – 6.30 (last admittance 5pm)
Tickets: £14
Children: £7
Family Tickets (max 2 adults): £36

How to Book: In person at the Museum of Museums Box Office (open at 10am), by calling Eventim on 0844 249 1000 or clicking http://www.tutankhamunmanchester.com



Dr. Zahi Hawass - Adventures in Archaeology
Friday 4 February 2011, 7.30pm
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Tickets: £15 - £20,
Concessions: £10,
Children (up to 16 yrs) & School Groups: £7

How to Book: In person at the Bridgewater Hall Box Office, Lower Mosley Street Manchester. Alternatively, call 0161 907 9000* or click http://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk* / http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk