Egyptian Pharaohs

From April 19th, step back in time and rediscover Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs, through masterpieces of Antiquity! This legendary civilisation, spanning three millennia, fascinates and captivates young and old alike.

As a prologue to the exhibition, grains of sand lifted by the wind reveal the remains of ancient Egypt as they appeared to French scientists during the Egyptian Campaign of 1798 to 1801, and drawn by the painter David Roberts, who wrote in his notebook “We are a people of dwarfs visiting a nation of giants”. Originally, ancient Egypt had its own cosmogony, providing a rich account of the genesis of the world. The sacred forces of the gods clash and reveal themselves on the walls of Carrières des Lumières, taking us to the point when man first appeared on earth.

The journey then continues along the sacred river Nile, source of life. The rhythm of floods and seasons provides the fertile silt needed for a luxuriant flora and fauna to thrive. Daily life in ancient Egypt is brought to life through magnificent bas-reliefs, paintings and ancient papyri. Gigantic construction sites and feats of ancient architecture, the pyramids take shape before your eyes: one by one, the colossal blocks pile up to form the tombs of the eternal kings, guarded by the majestic Sphinx.

Ancient Egypt’s impressive longevity is closely linked to the pharaohs, who ruled the unified kingdom of Upper and Lower Egypt. Monumental sculptures of sovereigns whose names resonate throughout history now tower over the space: Khephren, Hatshepsut, Thutmosis III, Akhenaten and Nefertiti... Legendary battles punctuated the reigns of successive sovereigns, such as Ramses II at Qadesh. The arms of the Nile then irrigate the space with molten gold, the flesh of the gods, which flows along the walls, forging the incredible jewels of the Egyptian kings and queens.

Throughout Egypt, there are hundreds of temples dedicated to a multitude of divinities. From Luxor to Abu Simbel, these majestic, complex structures are cultural, spiritual, economical and political centres, where life and death are celebrated in great processions. Next comes the Valley of the Kings, home to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. The Valley of the Queens also contains pure marvels, such as the tomb of Nefertari, all displayed in dazzling colour on the walls of Atelier des Lumières.

The cycle of life comes to an end, and the exhibition invites you to enter the afterlife by taking a closer look at the astronomical ceiling of Dendera, which normally rises 15 metres above the ground but is here displayed close enough to see clearly. The journey is over, having revealed only a tiny portion of this most fascinating ancient Egypt, where there are still so many mysteries to explore.

listen to the playlist of the exhibition