Egypt exhibition details real curses and royal cats | Theatre | Entertainment

Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold has set up shop at NEON at Battersea Power Station and has welcomed countless guests into its historic and educational journey. But for half term this month, new tours are giving young people a look at ancient Egypt like never before. The exhibition is “flipping the script” on how people experience history with the launch of the new “Ancient Egypt: Exposed” tours.

These events are designed specifically for ages 9-16. This two-day event (taking place on May 26 and May 27 at 5pm), features Egyptologist Dr Edward Scrivens from the Egypt Exploration Society, brought to life by actors and “designed to spotlight the side of Ancient Egypt you don’t get in textbooks”. And that’s not all, as immersive virtual reality joins the fray, as well (and at discounted prices).

Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold visitors will enter into a virtual reality session before trying their hands at a tile-painting workshop “inspired by the symbols, patterns and stories found throughout the exhibition”.

This isn’t unlike the ongoing Viking Immersive Experience, which is also taking place in London right now. The Canada Water-located education event shows off the story of one mighty Viking, Queen Kraka, and her journey from peasant girl to ruler.

Likewise, Cleopatra: The Immersive Experience, allows historians to step into the extraordinary world of Egypt’s Last Great Queen. There, they can learn all about her reign, power and lost loves. This is only open for a limited 15-week run, though.

Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold’s new exhibition, however, has been hand-crafted for young people. And those attending the events will discover all sorts of exciting secrets about the ancient Egyptians. This list includes such features as “real” ancient curses, forgetting the “myth” of Tutankhamun’s Curse, warnings around tombs and threats of being eaten by crocodiles.

That’s on top of details about cats being so revered that they were treated and buried like royalty. The tour reveals information about letters full of gossip, complaints and the breaking up of friendships – their own version of “group chat drama”.

Dr Edward Scrivens, the curator of Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold’s new event, Ancient Egypt: Exposed, said: “Many of us at the Egypt Exploration Society first became fascinated with ancient Egypt as children and teenagers, so we know the potential and importance of younger generations finding a real connection to the past.

“Ancient Egypt isn’t just about kings and monuments – it’s about people, their lives, their humour, and their stories. By exploring the more unexpected and relatable aspects of history, we can spark curiosity and show that this world, although thousands of years old, isn’t so distant after all.”

And prices have been slashed for half-term. General admission prices for Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold start at £32 for adults and £27 for children. This half term, kids (under 16) go half price.

The new Family Ticket, £139.40, offers entry for two adults and two children (under 16), including exhibition access, multimedia guides, and four immersive VR experiences. The exhibition is recommended for visitors aged five and older, and children under five visit free.

All of this includes access to the exceptional exhibition, complete with hundreds of real ancient Egyptian artefacts, as well as multimedia experiences and touring guides.

The Ancient Egypt: Exposed ticket includes entry to a teen tour, the VR experience and the tile painting workshop. This comes in at £30 per person. It is limited availability, though, taking place on May 26 and May 27, with an entry time of 5pm, tile painting from 5:45pm.

The Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold exhibition is on now in NEON at Battersea Power Station.