NGV: PHARAOH

Pharaoh is a groundbreaking exhibition located 10 minutes away at The National Gallery Victoria, that delves into three millennia of ancient Egyptian art and culture. Showcasing over 500 artefacts, it features monumental sculptures, architectural pieces, temple statues, intricate jewellery, papyri, coffins, and a diverse collection of funerary items. The exhibition illuminates the concept of the pharaoh, those omnipotent rulers who claimed divine ancestry. The exhibition premiers on the 14th of June all the way to the 6th of October. 

Divided into seven thematic sections, the exhibition examines the multifaceted roles of the pharaohs. It highlights their duties as high priests in temples, heads of the nation’s administration, military leaders, and heads of the royal family. Each section provides a comprehensive look into the pharaohs' responsibilities and their significance in ancient Egyptian society.

The exhibition reveals how pharaohs depicted themselves through various media, from the detailed imagery on rings, bracelets, and personal treasures, to statues and colossal monuments. These artefacts portray the pharaohs as invincible warriors and devout worshippers of the gods, emphasising their unique position as intermediaries between the divine and humanity. This idealised image underscores their dual role as both temporal and spiritual leaders, bridging the gap between mortals and the divine.

Pharaoh offers an in-depth exploration of ancient Egypt's dynastic history and the enduring legacy of its rulers. Through its rich array of artefacts and thematic organisation, the exhibition provides a unique insight into the lives and roles of the pharaohs, celebrating their contributions to one of history’s most fascinating civilisations.

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