The NGV Winter Masterpieces announcement is always a highly anticipated affair. In the past few years, we've seen massive unveilings from a complete Picasso exploration, a journey through French Impressionism, The Terracotta warriors and more.
For 2024, NGV is putting on one of its most ambitious exhibitions yet—this time heading to the world of ancient Egypt with 'Pharaoh'.
The gargantuan retrospective dives into the world of the bygone civilisation spanning over 3000 years of history from the 1st Dynasty until the Roman Period of the fourth century with over 500 different pieces on loan from the British Museum in London.
Image credit: NGV International | Sean Fennessy
Running until Sunday 6 October, Pharaoh explores the lineage and lore of the Egyptian rulers with works crafted for a litany of its kings and queens from Tutankhamun, Queen Nefertari, Ramses, Khufu and more.
"Pharaoh seeks to introduce a new generation of visitors to the perennially fascinating visual culture of ancient Egypt through an unprecedented exhibition of sculpture, architecture, jewellery and more from the British Museum in London," says NGV Director Tony Ellwood.
Image credit: NGV International | Sean Fennessy
Audiences can expect a glimpse of an intact 2.5-metre high limestone wall from a former Masta tomb adorned with hieroglyphic texts and illustrations—a 1.5-tonne stone fist, the remnants from a mammoth statue of Ramses II—a fully intact statue of Pharaoh Sety II and an ivory carving of King Den, which is supposedly one of the earliest objects of Ancient Egypt dating back to the 1st dynasty.
Also on display will be an extensive collection of jewellery from amulets, collars and rings that were designed by master crafters of the Valley of The Kings and were worn for daily life as well as the afterlife.
Image credit: NGV International | Sean Fennessy
In addition to Pharaoh, there's also completely free exhibition for kids, allowing them to get up close to the ancient world with hands-on activities and lessons, and a stacked NGV Friday Nights program that runs for the entirety of the exhibition.
PHARAOH: MELBOURNE WINTER MASTERPIECES
When: Friday 14 June until Sunday 6 October, open daily 10am to 5pm
Where: NGV International – 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne CBD
To get tickets and more information, head over here.
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Leading image credit: NGV International | Supplied