Renowned King Tut exhibit returns to the US

FORT WORTH, TX (September 18, 2008) – Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, the exhibition that drew nearly 4 million visitors during its four-city US tour in 2005-2007, returns to the Unite

FORT WORTH, TX (September 18, 2008) – Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, the exhibition that drew nearly 4 million visitors during its four-city US tour in 2005-2007, returns to the United States this fall. Following the success of the record-breaking first US tour, the exhibition recently arrived from its former London engagement to open in Dallas on October 3 at the Dallas Museum of Art, where it will run through May 17, 2009.

The exhibition provides a landmark opportunity for the Dallas-Fort Worth community to experience the richness of ancient Egyptian art and culture. Some 8 million people attended one of the prior King Tut exhibitions that set attendance records in the United States from 1976 to 1979, but just a few of the more than 130 artifacts in the current show were seen as part of that tour.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs provides insights into the life of the boy king and other royals of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty (1555-1305 B.C.). One of the last kings of his dynasty, Tutankhamun died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 18 or 19. Visitors will see extraordinary relics from his tomb and other ancient Egyptian sites. Fifty of the young ruler’s burial objects will be on display, including his royal diadem – the gold crown, discovered with his mummified body, which he likely wore as king – and one of the gold-and-precious-stone-inlaid canopic coffinettes that contained his mummified internal organs.

The exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of the encore tour, and the Dallas engagement is presented in partnership with the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Proceeds from the exhibition are being used to help preserve Egypt’s treasures, including the construction of a new museum in Cairo where the antiquities will be housed.

The American Airlines Cargo Division (AA Cargo) was entrusted with shipping more than 130 priceless artifacts – some weighing as much as 1,750 pounds – to Dallas as part of the US encore tour that includes two yet-to-be-named cities.

“AA Cargo is honored to have been part of such a monumental assignment,” said David Brooks, president of the American Airlines Cargo Division. “The opportunity to transport this priceless exhibition with enormous historical significance was certainly an exciting challenge for the professionals of AA Cargo. The move required precise handling and attention to detail, and we are proud to have handled it flawlessly.”

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...