This Epic Exhibit Is Coming to Australia for the First and Final Time

Don’t miss this collection of Egyptian artefacts showing in Australia for the first – and last – time.

“Even though Ramses II died more than 3000 years ago, his significance is sprinkled throughout history,” says Fran Dorey, head of exhibitions at the Australian Museum in Sydney. “He was king during the Exodus and at the Battle of Kadesh, he signed the first peace treaty ever recorded.”

And while visitors to Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition (opening on 18 November) will miss out on seeing that piece of history, Dorey, a passionate ancient historian, is confident that the more than 180 treasures coming here are worthy of the largest cultural exhibition to visit Australia in more than a decade. “You can see some of these items in textbooks but standing in front of them, it’s an experience unlike any other – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

From gold diadems unearthed in the tombs of 12th-dynasty princesses to ancient bows and arrows and even a virtual-reality journey through Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens, the eye-wateringly valuable exhibit (about $3.7 billion) is the most expensive the museum has ever hosted. The pieces, displayed in collaboration with the Egyptian government, are only being shown in 10 venues around the world – and nowhere else in Australia – before they return home permanently.

Half a million people are expected to visit the exhibition at the Australian Museum and Dorey’s advice is to take your time. “Stay for at least a couple of hours and let it all soak in. You’ll be grateful you did.”