Visit King Tut at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Originally published by TalentEgg Launch Magazine on January 12, 2010

Read the original article here

On the corner of Dundas and McCaul streets in Toronto, you can engulf yourself in the ultimate historical indulgence.

The King Tut exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario is an experience of the life of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, communicated through a hall filled with treasures from times as ancient as 2550 BCE. The focus is on King Tutankhamun, but possessions, statues and trinkets of Egyptian royalty from across dynasties are also on display.

Tutankhamun took over the throne from the pharaoh Akhenaten around 1333 BCE and died around 1324 BCE, after only nine years of rule, and his death is an area of much intrigue.

X-rays and medical examinations following the discovery of his tomb suggest he may have been murdered, as there is evidence of trauma to the head. The fact that he was not awarded proper burial procedures or a king’s tomb suggests his death was unanticipated.

He seemed to fall off the public radar after some years because, in spite of at least two tomb robberies, it was the most well preserved tomb ever to be discovered.

The statues in the exhibit at the AGO include incredibly detailed works featuring the type of crowns the pharaoh wore, facial structure as well as the false beard and Ureaus (cobra on the crown). The colours are still vibrant even after thousands of years.

One of my favourite items is the toilet seat with a rather narrow opening. The jewelry is beautiful and intricate, with extraordinary attention to detail, most of it gold.

Although not all of the objects on display belonged to Tutankhamun, the exhibit features an interesting selection of his treasures and belongings, such as a bed, sandals, and finger and toe protectors that are all made from gold. Canisters used to store his mummified organs are also present.

The workmanship and preservation of these articles is immaculate, with most of the pieces almost fully intact. It gives an interesting glimpse into the lives of ancient Egyptian royalty.

The exhibit closes April 18. The AGO is open every day of the week except Monday, but opening and closing times vary each day, so it is best to check the website ahead of time.

Ticket prices range from $16.50 to $38.50 and can be purchased both online and in person at the AGO, or by calling 416-979-6608.