Pharaoh at NGV International

Pharaoh is the largest international exhibition the British Museum has presented in its 270-year history – and it’s arriving at the NGV in Melbourne on Friday June 14.

The blockbuster exhibition features more than 500 works on loan from the British Museum, with many on display in Australia for the first time. Curated especially for the NGV by the British Museum as part of the Victorian Government’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, Pharaoh is the single largest ancient Egyptian exhibition to take place in Australia.

The image of the pharaoh has captivated us for thousands of years. Pharaoh highlights the art and artistry of ancient Egypt and its all-powerful rulers claiming a divine origin, with works by some of history’s most skilled sculptors, painters and craftspeople.

Depictions of the pharaoh come in many forms, from a miniature ivory plaque with King Den of the First Dynasty (the earliest object in the exhibition, dating back to around 3000 BCE) through to the over life size limestone statue of Ramses II (circa 1279–1213 BCE) – one of ancient Egypt’s most famous and longest-ruling pharaohs, seen here as high priest. Also featured in the exhibition is the Seated Statue of Pharaoh Sety II, the most complete sculpture of a pharaoh in the British Museum’s collection.

Accompanying the exhibition is a series of tours, talks and the ever-popular NGV Friday Nights music series– kicking off with a three-week residency by acclaimed oud virtuoso and eight-time Aria winner Joseph Tawadros.

Find out more, book your tickets or drop in during the NGV International’s usual opening hours between 10am and 5pm daily.

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