6 May, 2024, Sydney: Exclusive to Sydney, the remarkable Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition must depart the Australian Museum on Sunday 19 May, 2024 after its record-breaking six month run. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition has captivated audiences and, with more than 460,000 tickets already sold, it is the most successful exhibition in the Australian Museum’s history.

Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO said that after years of negotiation and planning, including securing the coffin of Ramses II for display in Sydney, the positive responses to the exhibition’s rich curation of rare objects and dynamic storytelling have been rewarding.

“When visitors enter Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs they find themselves immersed in another time, another place, another civilisation, one that is far removed from home. These great works of art and cultural artefacts and the stories they tell have provided a transformative and emotional experience for our visitors. The artefacts are unlikely to be seen again in Australia in our lifetimes, so I urge those who have not yet seen Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs to take advantage of the extended Museum hours in the closing weeks,” Ms McKay said.


Ramses 7 the Gold of the Pharaohs Exhibition shots by James Alcock
Clean shots of Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition in Sydney, Australia by James Alcock Image: James Alcock
© Australian Museum

Executive Chairman & Group CEO of presenting partner NEON, Ron Tan, said Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs has brought ancient Egypt to life for thousands of Australian Museum visitors.

“From the exquisite golden masks and jewellery to the ornate coffins, sacred statues and animal mummies, ancient Egypt captures our imagination. All of their temples, architecture and artefacts are still so visible, and we are thrilled that Australian audiences have been able to experience this unique culture through the compelling and engaging story of Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs,” Mr Tan said.

With just over two weeks until Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs closes, the Australian Museum is open until 9pm every day.

Complementing the exhibition, the Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs VR experience takes viewers on an immersive whirlwind tour of the Abu Simbel temples and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, while the A Gateway to Egypt program of lectures and panel discussions connects audiences with experts and history scholars.

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs is presented in partnership with World Heritage Exhibitions, Neon Global and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, with the support of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The exhibition is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Create NSW Blockbuster Funding initiative, Adventure World and Accor Hotels.


Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition at the Australian Museum.
Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition at the Australian Museum. Image: Anna Kucera
© Australian Museum

Editor’s Note:

  • Downloadable images, biographies, press releases can be found here

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. As custodian of more than 22 million objects and specimens, the AM is uniquely positioned to provide a greater understanding of the region through its scientific research, exhibitions, and public and education programs. Through the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM also plays a leading role in conserving Australia’s biodiversity through understanding the environmental impacts of climate change, potential bio-security threats and invasive species. Visit Australian Museum for more information.


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