Saturday, August 3, 2024 The “ Pharaoh ” exhibition at NGV has drawn 150,000+ visitors globally since June, showcasing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian art and culture. The international-exclusive exhibition “Pharaoh” at the National Gallery of Victoria has attracted over 150,000 visitors from Victoria, interstate, and globally since its June opening, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, announced the early visitor numbers, indicating that the exhibition is on par with some of NGV’s most highly attended exhibitions in history.
Featuring more than 500 works on loan from the British Museum, “Pharaoh” is the largest international exhibition ever presented by the British Museum in its 270-year history. It offers a journey through 3000 years of ancient Egyptian art, design, and culture, showcasing colossal sculptures, tomb and temple architecture, sacred relics, and jewelry. Over 3,600 students and teachers have participated in the exhibition’s education program, including 570 from interstate and 720 from regional Victorian schools such as Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton, Merbein, Bendigo, Nagambie, Shepparton, Tallarook, Euroa, Myrtleford, Newborough, and Wonthaggi.
The exhibition also features a free children’s exhibition, “Ancient Egypt for Kids,” and the return of NGV Friday Nights, which has already attracted over 12,500 visitors enjoying live music alongside the exhibition. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, which has drawn over seven million visitors since 2004, the series, supported by the Labor Government through Visit Victoria and the Major Events Fund, has generated more than $690 million in economic impact over two decades. “Pharaoh” is a highlight of Melbourne’s winter calendar, which includes events like game two of the NRL State of Origin, Global Football Week Melbourne, White Night Ballarat, and RISING, all contributing to the State’s record $39.
3 billion visitor economy. “Pharaoh” will be on display until 6 October 2024 at NGV International. Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos “More than 150,000 people have visited this exhibition, with Victorians and visitors then exploring everything our city has to offer – boosting local businesses and jobs across hotels, hospitality and more.
” Quote attributable to Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor “If you can, I’d encourage everyone to see this epic exhibition of ancient Egyptian treasures – one of unrivalled scale and quality – on show exclusively in Melbourne until October.” Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements “For decades, Victoria has attracted some of the biggest and most exclusive exhibitions as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series – and we’re proud to back Pharaoh to drive visitation as part of a packed major events calendar.” Quote attributable to NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM “The outstanding popularity of the world-premiere Pharaoh exhibition reflects the incredible ambition of this presentation, which features more than 500 objects from the British Museum.
We are delighted our audiences both local and tourists alike are embracing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”.
