Immerse yourself in the history and culture of ancient Egypt in this must-see exhibition at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
Sessions are filling fast so please book exhibition tickets in advance, to avoid disappointment. The car park may be full so consider other ways of getting here.
Rare and remarkable artefacts
Journey to the land of the pyramids to discover stunning objects from the remarkable collection of the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden).
See ornate sculptures, rare Book of the Dead scrolls and exquisite jewellery, along with 10 coffins, which reveal insights into the everyday life and culture of the ancient Egyptians.
Discovering Ancient Egypt draws on centuries of study of the lived experiences of the ancient Egyptians. Explore their gods and society, creativity and belief in an eternal afterlife.
Read curator Craig Middleton's tips for your exhibition visit
Experience ancient Egypt
Step through the life-sized recreated facade of the Temple of Taffeh, illuminated by a striking, large-scale graphic presentation.
Explore new insights into ancient Egyptian culture, revealed by excavation, 3D-scanning and other research by the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, in a series of fascinating digital interactives.
Discovering Ancient Egypt is on show at the National Museum of Australia from 15 December 2023 to 8 September 2024.
The exhibition includes the display of mummified people and animals. There are five mummified individuals: the women Sensaos and Ta(net)kharu, or Tadis; the man Harerem; an unknown male and an unknown female. The people are displayed in a separate room. The original linen bandages that wrap each of these individuals are intact.
While these mummified people are in the Museum’s care, we take our custodial responsibilities very seriously. Consultations with the Museum’s Indigenous Reference Group and Egyptian–Australian communities ensure the respectful custodianship and display of these individuals. These people have been welcomed to the National Museum of Australia by local traditional custodians.
We approach this issue with a clear understanding of the responsibility and trust invested in us. The existence of these mummified people prompts us all to think about profound questions relating to life and death, as well as changing funerary rites and practices, in the past, present and future.
We hope the exhibition prompts visitors to reflect on these same big questions.
Acknowledgements
The Australian tour of the exhibition is a partnership between the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, the National Museum of Australia, the Western Australian Museum and the Queensland Museum Network.
The Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition is supported by the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance (AGIEI) Program.
This program provides funding for the purchase of insurance for significant cultural exhibitions. Without AGIEI, the high cost of insuring significant cultural items would prohibit this major exhibition from touring to Australia.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Tickets on sale now
Book your Discovering Ancient Egypt tickets.
Join Friends for discounted or free entry to Discovering Ancient Egypt.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | $25 |
| Concession | $20 |
| Child (5–16 years) | $12.50 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | $62.50 |
| Child (0–4 years) | Free |
| Friends adult | $17.50 |
| Friends child | Free |
| Exhibition Members | Free |
| Self-guided tours | Free |
Treat family and friends to the wonders of ancient Egypt with an exhibition gift ticket voucher.
Available for purchase at the Information Desk for adult, child, family and concession tickets.
Visit Discovering Ancient Egypt during one of our quiet hours sessions. Sessions start Tuesday 20 February and then the first Tuesday of the month from March, from 4–6pm.
Quiet hours sessions offer reduced noise and sensory experiences. They are designed for visitors with low sensory needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Exhibition ticket costs apply.
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Join us for a series of activities and events that bring our Egypt exhibition to life.
Book a school program with a Museum educator, for students in years 5–12.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Celebrate art, culture and connection, with creative activities for children and families, fascinating talks and world-class performances.
Families and Access
Take our kids audio tour, pick up a free family guide or join one of our hands-on activities. Various dates.
Book a quiet hours session or watch our free online Auslan tour. Various dates.
Panel discussion
Hear from an expert panel on 'Let’s talk about ethics: coming to terms with the past and collecting for the future'. 9 May 24.
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Book an onsite school program.
Available in hard or soft cover.
Listen to the audio recording from our opening week Curators in conversation event.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Take a free self-guided audio or Auslan tour, before, during or after your visit. Use your device to connect to the Museum's free wifi.
ENHANCE YOUR EGYPT EXPERIENCE
Discover more about the exhibition’s most intriguing objects, as chosen by our curators and presented by Egyptian–Australian actor Helana Sawires.
Join guides Cleocatra the cat and Ahmose the ba bird as they sneak through the exhibition after closing time. Recommended for ages 6–12.
Discover more about the exhibition’s most intriguing objects, as chosen by our curators and signed by Expression Australia.
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See other exhibitions, experiences and events at the Museum.
Buy your catalogue, in hard or soft cover.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Everything we sell at our award-winning Museum Shop has a story to tell. Shop instore or online today.
A must-have memento featuring objects on show in the exhibition from the renowned Egyptian and Nubian Collection of the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities. These objects are framed by reflections on the history of the Dutch museum and insights into contemporary Egyptology, from the latest scientific research and collaborations with the Egyptian people, to understanding the reception of this ancient world in Australia.
Available instore or online. $39.95 (soft cover) or $59.95 (hard cover)
Ignite your senses in our souk-inspired exhibition shop! Discover a beautiful range of jewellery, books, children’s toys, puzzles and games, Egyptian-made perfume bottles, replica ornaments, textiles and spices.
Open 9am–5pm daily.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
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Object images courtesy Rijksmuseum van Oudheden