King Tut Returns - June 27, 2009

  

Our favorite boy king Tutankhamun returns to the San Francisco de Young Museum after 30 years. Here's a cheat sheet before you go.

• Tutankhamun was one of the last kings of Egypt's 18th Dynasty.
• He was nine years old when he became pharaoh in 1333 BC.
• He died mysteriously at age 19.
• The tomb of King Tut, as we affectionately call him, was discovered intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.
• Discovery of the tomb created an international buzz that influenced art, architecture, and fashions throughout the 1920s. 
• Fifty of the artifacts made their first international tour in 1979.
• Eight million people attended.
• The current exhibit includes 130 artifacts - 50 from King Tut's tomb and 80 from the tombs of other pharaohs and royalty.
• A portion of the proceeds from this world tour will go to help preserve Egypt's treasures and construction of a new museum in Cairo.
• Sponsors include National Geographic and Northern Trust.
• The museum has set up a (not-to-be-missed)Tut webpage full of information and e-cards and a podcast interview with designer of the exhibit, Mark Lach.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, SF, 415-750-3600, June 27, 2009 through March 28, 2010. Just like in '79, you must purchase tickets in advance.

http://tutsanfrancisco.org/content/tickets

Comments

[Style Wylde]

Saw the show on Friday! It was amazing. My favorite pieces were the pectoral plate with a carved glass scarabe, and the golden dagger that was placed within Tut's mummy wrap. If you can get to it, I highly recommend everyone check it out!