RICHMOND, Va. -- A once-in-a-lifetime exhibition is now on display in Richmond for those looking to learn more about Ancient Egypt.
The East Coast premiere of Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities has opened at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art.
The exhibit spans 12,000 square feet, so there’s a lot to see and learn.
Visitors can explore the 300 objects mostly from underwater excavations of the ancient Egyptian cities of Canopus and Thonis-Heracleion.
“I always hope that they’re gonna find really enriching experience in the exhibition," Dr. Peter Shertz, Curator of Ancient Art at VMFA, stated in a Zoom interview. "I hope that it incites their sense of curiosity to learn more to reflect more."
Visitors will experience the grandeur and complexity of Ptolemaic Egypt, one of the wealthiest, most powerful, and influential kingdoms of the ancient Mediterranean.
The exhibition highlights ancient artifacts retrieved from Aboukier Bay off the coast of Egypt by a team of underwater archaeologists led by Goddio.
“We are thrilled to offer this unique experience to our visitors," VMFA Director and CEO Alex Nyerges said. "VMFA brings the world to Richmond, and this exhibition explores the fascinating history of two lost cities of ancient Egypt. This is the last time this groundbreaking exhibition will be on view in North America, and we hope to attract a wide range of visitors.”
Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities runs through January 18, 2021. Masks are mandatory and reservations are suggested. For more information, click here.
