Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs at the Australian Museum - Review
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Being a massive fan of anything Egypt and Pharaohs related, I was very excited when the Australian Museum announced their summer exhibition Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs! I’ve always wanted to share my passion for Egypt and its past with the kids, so this was the perfect exhibition for it.
Upon arrival, we lined up to enter the exhibition and grabbed an audio guide for the kids to follow with the exhibition.
We attended the exhibition on a Sunday after midday and only waited 10 minutes to get into the exhibition. It was busy in there and in some spots we had to wait to see a video or look at an artefact, however it was all very manageable and everyone respected each other’s space.
We popped into the Intro Theatre first to watch a video explaining the history about Ramses and other aspects that were later explained throughout the exhibition.
The temples of Abu Simbel model - Photo credit: @busycitykids
The exhibition is a multi sensory experience which mixes artefacts, reproduced artefacts, models, videos, projections and the like, no tablet experience which was a good change. A VR option is available, more info at the end of this review.
Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs includes 182 priceless artefacts including a Ramses II surprise but you’ll have to see the exhibition to see those last parts as we won’t reveal anything here!
Mister and his sister particularly liked the Egyptian hieroglyphs symbols on the artefacts and were amazed at the details and craftsmanship especially on the tablets (shown above)!
Mister loved listening and following the exhibition with the audio guide and explained a few things to me as we went along which was nice to see him getting immersed (shown below).
Back section of The temples of Abu Simbel model - Photo credit: @busycitykids
Miss thought Egypt and the exhibition looked fascinating and looks forward to learning that at school in history & geography class. The kids were particularly surprised to hear the number of kids that Ramses II had. Needless to say, they would need a bus to go to school everyday!
The two sides of the temples of Abu Simbel model (shown above single image on right) and on the left of this text) were very interesting to look at and understand the meaning behind their creation, the statues on the front of the temples and why they were built in such way for two special times in the year.
We also found out that Pharaoh Ramses II’s beautiful wife Queen Nefertari was by far his favourite and her jewellery collection amongst the rooms full of amazing gold jewellery (shown below) was so gorgeous to see.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Having been to a few exhibitions on Egypt throughout my childhood in Europe and in Australia and being so lucky to experience exhibitions we attend with the blog, I found Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs very calming and relaxing.
As the image of this couple depicts (shown on the right), we also felt that we could take our time and indulge in the beauty of Egypt and the rich history of its Pharaohs.
Mister was very interested in the video of The Battle of Kadesh (intro image shown below only not actual video - first image) and we watched it a few times to understand the intent, obstacles and perils of the battle. He was also fascinated in the amount of gold displayed throughout in the exhibition.
Miss on the other hand found the intricate designs and detail on the tablets, papyrus scrolls and linen clothes very interesting and wanted to make her own.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
The Sennedjem’s coffin and reconstructed tomb was especially beautiful (pictured here left). The image does not do it justice as Sennedjem’s coffin was so beautiful and detailed. Truly impressive!
The remainder of the exhibition continued on with more Treasures of the Tombs and the remarkable Sheshonq II's silver coffin lid (shown below - first image).
The kids were particularly interested in the animal mummies. Very strange yes (but there’s no Egypt without mummies right) so the kids were quite keen to see the different ones and understand why animals were buried with their owner. (Shown below - third image).
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Mister loved the Merenptah’s scarcophagus lid with the reflection (pictured right but reflection not shown to not spoil the surprise). To keep the rest of the exhibition a surprise to see whether or not you’ll see Ramses II, we have decided to stop the review here, head to Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs at the Australian Museum these holidays to enjoy this great exhibition!
Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs at the Australian Museum was truly impressive and the kids really enjoyed it!
We love good exhibition merch (pictured below) and the Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs selection was very impressive too - lots of options for gifts or to take home!
Big tip: I knew it would be a lengthy exhibition that would require the kids’ attention so I made sure we had lunch before we came. The kids wanted to checkout the Burra kids section upstairs and do some crafts beforehand which we did. We then dropped off excess gear at the cloak room (see cool Egyptian replica there) and went to the toilets before heading to the exhibition all refreshed and ready to learn! More tips below!
Looking at our photos, we were in the exhibition for around 90 minutes which matches the recommended time funnily enough, so we were spot on!
VR Experience Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs - Photo credit: @busycitykids
For an extra experience, you can purchase VR experience for a tour of two of Ramses' most impressive monuments: the temples of Abu Simbel and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, the favourite Royal Consort of Pharaoh Ramses II. In cinematic motion chairs, viewers will fly through temples, sandstorms, and even come face-to-face with Ramses' mummy in this electrifying animated journey.
And for a 3D treat at home, checkout inside the Ramses tomb at home: https://ramsestheexhibition.com/3d-tomb/
Due to popular demand, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs has now been extended to the 19th May 2024.
Cloak room Ramses fun at the Australian Museum!
Tips:
The exhibition is open to all ages.
Extended exhibition opening hours from 9am.
Allow 90 minutes for their visit as well as time for parking and arrival prior to your ticketed time.
Go during the week if you can as weekends do get busy. If on weekends, aim at the first early sessions. There are off-peak tickets available at cheaper prices too.
Note: Ticket prices have changes and have taken effect for sessions between 13 April - 19 May.
Australian Museum Members have access to FREE and discounted tickets for Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs. Become a Member today!
Sensory friendly session on 4th May, head here for more info. Note: The exhibition uses moving animation images, which may be disorienting for those who are light sensitive. The exhibition also contains several videos playing simultaneously and may be considered loud for those who are sensitive to noise.
Low vision visitors can also listen to our free audio described guide about exhibition here.
Strollers are not permitted due to narrow spaces and corridors however safe stroller parking will be provided.
Enquire with the museum re Wheelchairs for visitors with accessible needs.
VR option also available outside the exhibition. Buy VR option when buying tickets.
Use Wilson Parking to take advantage of the weekday or weekend museum discount - head here for details and voucher code.
Wilson Parking customers can also save 20%* off tickets for any Monday to Thursday exhibition session until 28 March 2024. Use code WILSONP20 when purchasing, or access discounted tickets here.
Busy City Kids were hosted by the Australian Museum for the purposes of a review. Travel & parking was self funded. All opinions & feedback are genuine & truthful.