The Japanese capital, Tokyo, is proudly celebrating the arrival of the world-renowned exhibition, “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs”. Symbolising the city’s excitement, metro stations, building facades, and the streets surrounding the exhibition venue have been draped with captivating images of the wooden coffin of King Ramses II — a striking introduction to the marvels that await visitors.
The exhibition will be officially inaugurated on Friday, 7 March, by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, alongside Tokyo’s Governor, Yuriko Koike. Enthusiasts will have six splendid months to bask in the exhibition’s wonders until its closing in September.
As the final preparations get underway, Mohammed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, was present this morning at the exhibition hall to oversee the finishing touches. From the meticulous placement of artefacts to an elegant presentation layout, Khaled praised the design of the exhibition as outstanding, promising visitors a seamless and awe-inspiring journey through the halls.
Khaled also highlighted the global success of the exhibition, which has garnered immense attention during its international tour over the past four years. In Tokyo, anticipation is soaring, with 15,000 tickets already sold just hours before the exhibition’s opening.
Beyond its status as a cultural marvel, “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs” also serves as a shining ambassador for Egyptian tourism. In alignment with Egypt’s promotional campaign, “Egypt… Unparalleled Tourist Diversity,” a dedicated Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) pavilion has been established alongside the exhibition. This interactive space provides visitors with engaging promotional films, beautifully crafted informational materials, and tourist maps translated into Japanese.
One of the pavilion’s standout features is a QR code system, allowing attendees to access Experience Egypt platform. This interactive app invites users to delve deeper into Egypt’s diverse array of tourist destinations, showcasing adventures ranging from exploring the iconic pyramids to unravelling the charm of Egypt’s serene villages and bustling modern cities.
The exhibition includes a staggering 180 artefacts, headlined by the breathtaking wooden coffin of King Ramses II from the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. Visitors will also encounter an array of rare treasures, such as artefacts from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and pieces excavated from the Bubasteion in Saqqara – a sacred site dedicated to Bastet, the feline goddess of protection and fertility.
Highlighting the creativity and grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation, the collection features intricately designed statues, ornate jewellery, cosmetics, vividly painted wooden coffins, and stone blocks etched with inscriptions. Spanning periods from the Middle Kingdom to the Late Period, these treasures offer an intimate glimpse into a time of artistic brilliance and cultural ingenuity.
Since its debut in November 2021 in Houston, “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs” has captivated audiences worldwide. After enthralling visitors in cities such as San Francisco, Paris, Sydney, and Cologne, the exhibition’s arrival in Tokyo marks its latest chapter in an extraordinary global journey.
