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Photo：Kenshu Shintsubo
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Unveiling Tutankhamen: The Pharaoh's Timeless Adolescence
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■The Story in History! A new century of Tutankhamen begins.
Tutankhamen succeeded his father Akhenaten at the tender age of 8-9 and ruled Egypt for the duration of his teenage years until passing away at the young age of 19. What was life like for the boy king?
Enter the large gallery space and let the projection mapping teleport you back to ancient Egypt. Trace the transition of gods from the creation of ancient Egypt, and feel the life of Tutankhamen with your own eyes, ears, and body. In addition, numerous burial goods of the Pharaoh such as masks and shrines, which were not allowed to be taken out of Egypt, have been digitized by the latest high-definition 3D scan technology developed by WORLD SCAN PROJECT and digitally displayed on a super large screen. These digital exhibits will also be available for you to own as NFT art.
Exciting exhibits and experiences await you!
・Experience the 'discovery of the century' that Howard Carter and his patron, Lord Carnarvon, experienced in 1922 for yourself.
"Yes, wonderful things."
Immediately upon entering the exhibition hall, visitors are introduced to a space that replicates King Tutankhamun's tomb. In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb's treasures, piercing a hole into the sealed tomb and peering inside. Overwhelmed, he was left speechless for a while. When his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, anxiously inquired from behind, "Can you see anything?" Carter could only muster, "Yes, wonderful things." This historical moment lives on in this exhibition.
The pathway for visitors includes strategically placed peepholes, allowing them to glimpse the replicated treasures within. Visitors are invited to re-live the momentous discoveries of Carter and Lord Carnarvon made a century ago.
More than 5,000 burial artifacts were discovered in King Tutankhamun's tomb, comprising not only ceremonial objects, but also a multitude of personal items he used daily. His parents were closely related, potentially resulting in his frail health. Tutankhamun was born with clubfoot, an inward-turning left foot. Over 130 canes and parts of canes have been unearthed from his tomb. A painting on a buried chest shows Tutankhamun leaning on a cane while his wife presents him with a bouquet, suggesting his daily reliance on a cane.
We invite you to contemplate the different dimensions of Tutankhamun: the king, the husband, and the warrior as perceived from these burial artifacts.
Chapter 2: Views of Life and Death and Mummies in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, death was not perceived as an end, but rather as a transition from terrestrial life to the afterlife. Their unique outlook on life and death was shaped by Egypt's natural environment. The Nile River, with its annual inundation yielding fertile land, its recurring cycles of flood and abundance, resonated with their beliefs about human rebirth. Moreover, the daily arc of the sun was seen as a symbol of eternal life.
We spotlight their understanding of life and death, the creation of "mummies" derived from this belief, and furthermore, we present the distinct attributes of Tutankhamun's mummy.
Hieroglyphs, the pictorial writing system of ancient Egypt, were considered to hold power upon inscription, with the written symbols thought to manifest into reality.
In this section, we elucidate the fundamental knowledge of hieroglyphs, how they're deciphered, and the nature of the messages inscribed upon various objects. As you step into a space enrobed in hieroglyphs, with these ancient characters embellishing the walls and floors, you are surrounded by, and learn from, these hieroglyphs. We invite you to reflect on the thoughts and lives of the ancient Egyptians through the words they etched in stone.
Akhenaten, father of Tutankhamun, enacted a significant religious reform, transitioning from polytheism to monotheism, and worshipped solely Aten, the god represented by the sun disk. However, this religious shift failed to earn widespread approval, and when Tutankhamun assumed the throne, he reinstated polytheism.
In Chapter 4, we illuminate the characteristics of the gods from the original polytheistic belief system, and elaborate on the religious reform initiated by Akhenaten, who rejected this polytheism. We also provide insight into the hierarchy and roles within the ancient Egyptian clergy..jpg?u=1695281616380)
The visuals begin with the primordial waters of 'Nun,' which existed in the pitch-black abyss, representing the genesis of Egyptian mythology. The narrative unfolds to illustrate the birth of the gods, magnificent temples, royal tomb imagery, and finally showcases the religious reforms instigated by Tutankhamun's father, Akhenaten, as well as the life of Tutankhamun himself, who succeeded the throne. This approximately 30-minute multimedia journey offers a complete immersive experience of ancient Egypt.
Moreover, we utilize state-of-the-art technology from the 'World Scan Project' to digitally exhibit numerous funerary artifacts of Tutankhamun, including his mask and shrine, which are not permitted to leave Egypt. These artifacts are transformed into visual content for this exhibition using high-definition 3D scan data.
In front of the screen, the golden mask that once graced Tutankhamun's face gleams brightly. Behind it, the three coffins in which Tutankhamun's mummy resided, and the three outer shrines are meticulously positioned. Please relish the immense display of visuals on the large screen and the grandeur of the coffins and shrines in this expansive space.
Note: We offer a complimentary real-time audio guide that syncs with the visuals at the venue. Please bring your smartphone and earphones to make the most of this feature.
■Digital Content Collaboration Including NFT Cards, AR, and Metaverse
During the exhibition, we are hosting an interactive event. Attendees can collect NFT cards, inspired by the burial goods of Tutankhamen, by engaging in a stamp rally-style activity around the exhibit. QR codes, strategically placed in various locations within and outside the venue, can be scanned to acquire free NFT cards of the exhibit, which attendees can take home (*).
In addition, with ZEXAVERSE's AR application MetaPlayer1.0 AR, attendees can enjoy 3D data through Augmented Reality (AR). During the exhibition, an AR representation of the Great Pyramid of Giza, in its actual size, will be displayed next to the Kadokawa Culture Museum building. This provides attendees the opportunity to experience the enormity of the Great Pyramid through their smartphones. The application is set to be available starting July 1st.
Furthermore, ZEXAVERSE's Metaverse "MetaPlayer1.0 World" will host a detailed and realistic 3D representation of the Egyptian world, crafted by WSP, for a limited time (scheduled from mid-July to end of November). Attendees can explore life-sized replicas of Egyptian ruins, examine Tutankhamun's burial goods, including the golden mask, at a virtual museum, and immerse themselves in an Egyptian-themed virtual environment.
*To acquire NFT cards, location information is obtained when scanning the QR codes. This feature is only available to visitors attending the exhibition.
Official website: https://world-scan-project.com/en/
■A dream team of supervisor Yukinori Kawae, spatial design by Anri Jōjō, and music by Kenji Kawai has assembled.
A team of experts from various fields has gathered as production staff for this exhibition, allowing you to experience the civilization of ancient Egypt from a completely new perspective.
Exhibition supervisor Yukinori Kawae is an Egyptologist and Associate Professor at Nagoya University’s Institute for Advanced Research. He is a member of the American Research Center in Egypt and has been selected as an Emerging Explorer by the National Geographic Society.
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Egyptologist / Associate Professor, Nagoya University Institute for Advanced Research.
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Involved in the excavation of the ancient city Pyramid Town and the 3D measurement of the three major pyramids using drone technology.
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2016 Emerging Explorer, National Geographic Society.
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TV appearances including "Discovery of the World’s Mysteries” on TBS, and NHK specials spreading knowledge about Egyptian civilization.
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Publications including PYRAMID: Solving the Mysteries of Ancient Ruins with the Latest Science (SHINCHOSHA) and Pyramid Wonderland (Graphic-sha Publishing).
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Successful YouTube channel Yukinori Kawae’s Ancient Egypt (230,000 subscribers as of June 2023)
*Additional information about this exhibition will be announced later on this website.
■A word from Kengo Kuma
■We are launching a vast array of collaborative menus and merchandise throughout Tokorozawa Sakura Town.
In partnership with the retail outlets inside the Kadokawa Culture Museum and various other establishments in Tokorozawa Sakura Town, we are thrilled to present an extensive selection of exhibition-inspired collaborative cuisines and merchandise.Note: All prices listed below are tax inclusive. Dates are subject to change without notice.
Item: Ancient Egypt Exhibition Collaborative Printed Latte
Price: 650 yen
Available: Jul 1 (Sat)－Nov 20 (Mon)
Description: Cafe lattes adorned with prints of emblematic designs from Ancient Egypt. Choose between either "Tutankhamun" or the "Medjed".
Price: 2,200 yen
Available: Jul 1 (Sat)－Nov 20 (Mon)
Description: This pasta dish is an SACULA DINER-style arrangement of ingredients said to have been eaten by the royalty of ancient Egypt, including lamb meat, jute leaves, dates, and cinnamon. Enjoy it by mixing the pasta in the glass with the stew on the plate.
Price: 1,200 yen
Available: Jul 1 (Sat)－Nov 20 (Mon)
Description: Inspired by the cheese made in ancient Egypt, we created a pyramid of Camembert. Accompanied by figs, a common food in their diet, prepared in three different ways, this is a sophisticated dessert seasoned with cinnamon.
Price: Weekdays 1,500 yen / Weekends & Public Holidays: 1,900 yen as a drink set.
Available: Jul 1 (Sat)－Sep 1 (Fri)
Description: Our popular omurice dish has been given an Egyptian twist, reimagined in the style of Koshari, a national dish of Egypt that combines rice, pasta, and beans, topped with fried onions and tomato sauce. Enjoy a flavor change with the spicy Egyptian Shatta sauce. This hearty dish also comes with a soup on the side!
Price: Weekdays 1,500 yen / Weekends & Public Holidays: 1,900 yen as a drink set.
Available: Jul 1 (Sat)－Sep 1 (Fri)
Description: Incorporates Saitama-produced soybeans to make the popular hummus (chickpea & ground sesame seed paste) that's loved in North Africa and around the Mediterranean. This original Canteen KADOKAWA Egyptian-style curry incorporates summer vegetables such as eggplant and okra, which are also favored in these regions. Although only plant-based ingredients are used, it provides a satisfying meal experience.
Left: Acrylic Charms / Right: Ballpoint Pens
Selection includes: Wooden postcards / Ballpoint pens / Keyrings / Acrylic charms / Bookmarks, and many more.
●Musashino Reiwa Shrine (in TOKOROZAWA SAKURA TOWN)
Item: “Unveiling Tutankhamen: The Pharaoh's Timeless Adolescence” Shrine Seal
Price: 800 yen
Available: From Jul 1 (Sat) while stocks last.
Description: A shrine seal designed with the motif of this exhibition.
The exhibition will not only explore the history of ancient Egypt but will also provide a multi-faceted view of pharaohs, gods, pyramids, and daily life at that time. The exhibition is designed to be an interactive experience, with a quiz rally that attendees can enjoy while learning from the exhibits. Precious materials and artifacts actually used in ancient Egypt will be on display. The explanations provided are easy to understand, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone, and it is an ideal learning opportunity for children, especially for their summer vacation research.
Event page: https://kadcul.com/event/125 (Japanese only)
Event Outline
| Title | Unveiling Tutankhamen: The Pharaoh's Timeless Adolescence |
| Venue | Kadokawa Culture Museum 1F Grand Gallery |
| Hours |
Sun-Thu: 10:00－18:00 (last entry 17:30) Fri & Sat: 10:00－21:00 (last entry 20:30) |
| Period | 2023.7.1 (Sat) - 2023.11.20 (Mon) |
| Close days | The museum closes on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays of every month |
| Organizer | Kadokawa Culture Museum (Kadokawa Culture Promotion Foundation) |
| Supervisor | Associate Prof. Yukinori Kawae (Nagoya University Institute for Advanced Research) |
| Cooperation | RE PROJECT PARTNERS, Densuke HD, WORLD SCAN PROJECT |
Ticket Information
Purchase online at https://tix.kadcul.com/, or in-person over the ticket counter (2nd floor lobby area).
| Ticket | Price (tax inclusive) |
| General (university student and above) | 2,400 yen |
| Middle school student | 1,800 yen |
| Elementary school student | 1,000 yen |
| Pre-schooler | Free |
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- Scheduled close days and opening hours are subject to change. See website for latest information. -The 1DAY Passport ticket also allows access to the exhibition. See website for details. - Certain areas of the venue may be inaccessible due to exhibit rearrangements at the time of your visit. - Exhibition content is subject to change or cancellation. |
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| Date | 2023/07/01[Sat] 〜 2023/11/20[Mon] |
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| Dates and venues | 1F GrandGallery |