Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb November 19, 2011

Featuring more than 100 objects from the internationally renowned Egyptian collection of the British Museum, Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb explores the rituals of death and burial in ancient Egypt and uncovers mysteries that have shrouded mummies for millennia.

There are few civilizations that have aroused as much interest and intrigue as that of Ancient Egypt. With its distinctive artistic heritage and vast monumental remains, Egypt has held a continuing fascination for outsiders throughout time. And perhaps nothing has piqued people’s interest more than its funerary beliefs and practices.

In this riveting exhibition, we focus on the life and death of Nesperennub, a temple priest who lived 3,000 years ago. The exhibition opens with a 3-D film, narrated by Patrick Stewart, which shows the virtual unwrapping of Nesperennub’s mummy using the most advanced scanning technology currently available. Peering beneath the linen wrapping, visitors will see how this temple priest may have looked and lived. These vivid details provide insight into the process of mummification as well as life expectancy, health, and disease in ancient Egypt.

Sat – Wed: 10 am – 5 pm; Thurs + Fri: 10 am – 9 pm

$15 for adults; $12 for seniors 65+, students with ID, and youth ages 7–17. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 804.340.1405.

Official Website: http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Exhibitions/Mummy.aspx