After wowing audiences with the beauty of Van Gogh’s artwork, Lighthouse Immersive is now taking guests on a journey back through history with Immersive King Tut. Celebrating 100 years since the discovery of the boy King’s Tomb, this installation will give history buffs a look inside that view people actually get. Sparking interest in history for young viewers, and renewed interest in Ancient Egypt as the world currently wonders if they might find Cleopatra’s tomb next.
Having pioneered the concept of immersive art exhibitions in North America – including Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Frida Kahlo and Immersive Monet & The Impressionists – Toronto-based Lighthouse Immersive, in partnership with United Exhibits Group (UEG), the International Foundation of Fine and Decorative Arts (IFFDA) and with the assistance of the Egyptian Council for Tourism Affairs, is now turning its sights on the most famous of Egyptian rulers, the Pharaoh Tutankhamun with Immersive King Tut. The exhibit is being launched to commemorate the 100th anniversary of archeologist Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of the legendary “boy king” in November 1922.
Immersive King Tut uses stunning visuals to tell the story of the Amduat, an important ancient Egyptian funerary text, thought to be the oldest known illustrated story, that was depicted on the tombs of pharaohs. Immersive King Tut also features striking imagery spotlighting some of the most notable discoveries in Egyptology, including Tutankhamun’s golden death mask as well as his ornately decorated middle coffin and painted burial chamber, a depiction of Apophis, the snake god of chaos, from the tomb of Rameses I, and an ancient sculpture from the Cairo Museums depicting Osiris, the ruler of the Underworld, rising with the sun.
State-of-the-art video mapping and ground-breaking animation bring to life the story of King Tut’s passage into the afterlife as he escorts the sun through the underworld each night to rise again victoriously each morning. Mexico City-based Cocolab created the fantastical animations integrating breathtaking images acquired UEG and IFFDA through their 30-year history of presenting spectacular touring exhibitions including those honoring King Tut and ancient Egyptian civilization.
Immersive King Tut is confirmed for eight cities in 2022, with more to be announced soon:
- Denver | Now playing
- Toronto | Beginning August 10
- Los Angeles | Beginning August 19
- Kansas City | Beginning September 16
- Dallas | Beginning September 23
- Phoenix | Beginning September 30
- Chicago | Beginning October 14
- Detroit | Beginning November 4
Tickets, which start at $29.99, are on sale now at kingtutexhibit.com.
@week99er A quick look at #immersivekingtut at Lighthouse Immersive in Detroit. Explore the afterlife in Ancient Egypt. #Detroit @lighthouseimmersive #kingtut #nowplaying ♬ Egyptian – Музыка для медитации & Музыка для Сна & Музыка для Релаксации
Immersive King Tut was designed by the acclaimed creative team at Cocolab in Mexico City. The project is headed by César Moheno-Pla, with original music by Edi Kistler and art direction by Renata Galindo.
“Audiences will experience a much more cinematic experience than other immersive shows,” said Moheno-Pla. “We’ve developed ground-breaking animation techniques that will give the feeling of a true immersive experience; visitors will feel like they’re exploring the tombs of ancient Egypt. Immersive King Tut also features a strong narrative that goes beyond simply showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The story will help guests journey with King Tutankhamun as he faces nightly battles in the afterlife to emerge triumphant when morning comes,” Moheno added.
Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled around 1332 – 1323 B.C. Taking the throne at about nine years of age, his short reign spurred the creation of some of the most important artworks in all of world history, and for many these mark the height of ancient Egypt’s culture. The discovery of the treasures in his tomb in 1922 by acclaimed archeologist Howard Carter changed the world dramatically in its view of ancient Egypt, archaeological discovery, and sparked a global fascination with ancient Egypt that continues to this day. More than 5,000 artifacts were ultimately removed from the king’s tomb and are preserved in Egypt’s national collection.
“Immersive King Tut will amaze the lovers of ancient Egyptian civilization,” added Dr. Attiatalla. “On behalf of the Egyptian tourism industry, we have given our full support to this show to not only highlight the magnificence of ancient Egypt, but to attract more tourist traffic to Egypt.”
Immersive King Tut is currently showing at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in downtown Detroit. The former German Social Club now is the active art gallery and home of Lighthouse Immersive in Detroit. The space will be showing Immersive Nutcracker, Immersive Van Gogh, and other shows on different nights of the week.