As for location scouting, creative producer Mark Lach said that there are “limited venues that provide the ample space and amenities needed for an exhibition of this scale.”Photo: Timothy Norris
The multisensory exhibition transports visitors to Ancient Egypt with nine galleries that explore the 3,300-year-old story of King Tut, including his rule as a child pharaoh, his family, the discovery of his tomb, the mysteries surrounding his early death, and his journey to the afterlife.
A few years ago, 150 artifacts, including jewelry, sculptures, and ritual objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun went on a world tour, but due to the pandemic was cut short. Now, the artifacts are back at the Grand Egyptian Museum.
So, how do you design an artifact exhibit without artifacts?
Using a mix of images from National Geographic’s archives, projection mapping, and replicas of artifacts—including a detailed recreation of Tut’s shrine—Beyond King Tut follows a strong storyline, illustrating the “next generation of immersive exhibitions,” said Mark Lach, creative producer of the experience.
“Discoveries are around every corner, as well as photo ops galore, while guests are surrounded with imagery of King Tut’s treasures from the National Geographic archives, scenes from Egypt, and more,” he added. Guests can “peer at images through cracks just as the explorers who found [King Tut’s] tomb did 100 years ago,” as well as play the ancient Egyptian board game Senet, and take a seat on an Egyptian-style ship for a journey through the underworld.
The exhibition premiered at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C. earlier this year, followed by a recent run at the SoWa Power Station in Boston. After New York, Beyond King Tut will head to Los Angeles and Canada.
“The nature of a touring exhibition like this means each venue comes with different challenges, but also new opportunities to look at the layout and guest experience with fresh eyes,” Lach explained. “That ends up being a special thing for visitors, because the exhibition takes on a slightly new look in each city, and it’s unique every time.”
As for location scouting, Lach said that there are “limited venues that provide the ample space and amenities needed for an exhibition of this scale.” The NatGeo team looked for square footage (the exhibition has a 25,000- to 30,000-square-foot footprint), high ceilings (the projections reach over two stories tall), guest amenities, and accessibility. Plus, the New York exhibition is available to book for holiday events; cost will vary depending on the length of the event and number of guests. There is an hourly buyout cost and discounted ticket price per attendee.
Ticket prices start at $47 for adults and $34 for children. Package rates are available for families, seniors, and groups. VIP tickets include a flexible entry time, merchandise, and access to Tutankhamun: Enter the Tomb, a virtual reality companion experience produced by CityLights and voiced by English actor Hugh Bonneville that gives guests a 360-degree look at the contents of King Tut’s tomb.
Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience is produced by Paquin Entertainment Group (the company behind the popular Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet exhibitions) and Montreal’s Normal Studio.
Scroll to see more from inside Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience...
