- Ancient Egyptian exhibition opens at the WA Museum - Perth tomorrow
- Artefacts include mummies, intricately decorated coffins and ancient spells
- Major international coup from the British Museum exclusive to Perth
Culture and the Arts Minister John Day today announced the exhibition Secrets of the Afterlife: Magic, Mummies and Immortality in Ancient Egypt would be open to the public tomorrow.
Mr Day said the exhibition would be on display at the Western Australian Museum - Perth from May 17 until September 22 and was the second major international exhibition presented as part of the WA Museum’s special relationship with the British Museum.
“Secrets of the Afterlife: Magic, Mummies and Immortality in Ancient Egypt includes more than 100 authentic ancient Egyptian artefacts from the British Museum,” he said.
“The exhibition tells the story of the perilous journey from death to eternal paradise that all ancient Egyptians believed they would take.”
The Minister said highlights of the exhibition included intricately decorated coffins, two mummies and a gilded mummy mask that are thousands of years old. The exhibition also features interactive elements that will connect visitors with the search for eternal life in ancient Egypt.
“The secrets were contained in the magical spells written on their coffins, their jewellery, beautifully illustrated papyri, even inscribed on tomb walls - all of this was essential in assisting the dead to make the successful journey through the afterlife,” he said.
Mr Day said the WA Museum would provide 1,000 free tickets to help celebrate the WA Day long weekend.
“Thanks to the support of the State Government, the WA Museum is the only Australian venue for this remarkable exhibition and enjoying world class culture right here in Perth is a great way for people to celebrate being Western Australian,” the Minister said.
“It is an extraordinary collection of artefacts that shows why - for nearly 3,000 years - the ancient Egyptians regarded death as just the beginning of the quest for eternal life.”
Fact File
- Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for concession holders, $12.50 for children and $55 for family groups and are available for purchase at the WA Museum - Perth, by telephoning 1300 134 081 or online at museum.wa.gov.au/whats-on/afterlife/buy-tickets
Minister’s office - 6552 6200
