Explore the wonder of Ancient Egypt during this digital experience.
I can now say that I’ve travelled to Egypt – twice. The first was in person, and the second was through digital technology. Running from 28 March to 29 June at Excel Waterfront, London, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition is a state-of-the-art exhibition which takes you on a journey through Ancient Egypt.
The exhibition has been produced by Madrid Artes Digitales in collaboration with SILA SVETA. It has toured 14 countries, and is now making its debut in London. The 90-minute journey includes digital technologies and multimedia displays. This includes an eight-metre-high immersive video mapping room, a 360-degree virtual reality experience and a world-premiere hologram of the mummification process of Tutankhamun’s body.
When I travelled to Cairo, I visited the pyramids and tombs, and I can safely say that this was an accurate digital recreation of the real thing. The immersive elements allow you to take a peek inside Ancient Egypt, and although the actual site is unmatched, if you’re unable to get yourself there, this is certainly a close second.
Spanning an impressive 26,909 square feet, the exhibition includes original artefacts from 4000 BC, combined with replicas. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore six galleries, with some even narrated by the archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb, Howard Carter. Here are our highlights from Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition.
Immersive Room
The room I spent the most time in was the immersive panoramic video mapping room. The eight-metre-high projections are projected onto the walls and floor. A truly spellbinding experience, the room is in a constant state of visual motion, with scenes of Ancient Egypt, intricate images and videos of hieroglyphs, ornaments, nature, pyramids and more. The 30-minute movie whisks you away and gives you a sense of calm and creativity.
Metaverse Room
This offered something I’d never experienced before – an interactive walk-through of the Valley of the Kings. I’ll admit I was hesitant at first (for fear of falling), but was pleased to have tried it in the end. A VR headset is placed on your head, and you follow the arrows on the floor to begin your journey into Ancient Egypt. And what a journey it is – you interact with tombs, hike through the desert and peek at ancient artefacts.
VR Room
This activity was a seated one, and it was a less risky but still enthralling VR experience, paired with a swivel chair, headset, and headphones. You’re taken onboard Tutankhamun’s journey into the afterlife (from his POV), starting from the tomb itself, through beautiful landscapes and eventually confronted with the afterlife gods to determine your fate. The visuals were stunning and the soundtrack perfectly accompanied the story, making a 10-minute experience feel like an hour, as you’re transported back in time.
The soundtrack
Composed by René Merkelbach specifically for the exhibition, the soundtrack is mesmerising and perfectly pairs with the scenes around you. In the 360-degree panoramic hall, it takes you on a historically rich adventure, as you’re surrounded by hypnotising imagery. The soundtrack is performed by a full orchestra, submerging visitors into ancient Egypt’s magic through beautiful North African melodies, strong percussive elements and emotive themes.
The Egyptian AI photobooth
For an entertaining ending, try out the Artificial Intelligence photobooth by the exit, which transforms you into an ancient Egyptian WITH a full historical headdress – eyeliner and all. If you’re pleasantly surprised by how you look, you can download the photo straight to your phone. After history, beautiful imagery, state-of-the-art technology and wonder, why not end with a laugh?
Tickets to Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront start from £30.50.
GO: Visit https://immerseldn.com for more information.