Mummies! The unravelled secret

This autumn, for the first time in thirty years in the Netherlands, the Kunsthal Rotterdam will be presenting a major exhibition of Egyptian mummies. In a stunningly designed exhibition, over 225 objects provide insight into the fascinating burial rituals of ancient Egypt. Highlights are the mummy of Anchhor from Thebes and his authentic coffins, which are still completely intact. The exhibition includes countless rare objects such as the magic scarabs, amulets, jewels and statues that were placed inside the coffins. Some of the secrets of the mummies have also been revealed thanks to the use of new technological developments such as facial reconstruction and x-ray techniques. There is also a comprehensive educational programme for children and students in the MummieLAB.

The remarkable rituals of ancient Egypt

Nowhere does death play such an important role as in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. The exhibition tells the story of the ritual of mummification, which began in approximately 2600 BC as a way of preserving the body for as long as possible for its journey to the kingdom of the god Osiris. It also describes remarkable burial traditions such as the mummification of animals. With its fine paintings and hieroglyphic texts, the colourfully decorated burial chamber of Sennedjem, whose tomb was comparable in style and luxury with that of royal tombs at that time, provides remarkable insight into the ideas the Egyptians held about the afterlife.

MummieLAB

The ancient Egyptian civilisation and its elaborate burial rituals have always made a strong impression on new generations and continue to do so to this day. During the exhibition, the MummieLAB offers various activities in which younger visitors can unravel the secrets of the mummies themselves. As well as a discovery tour of the museum, a special lesson programme has also been developed for schools. Further information about the educational programme will follow shortly.

Mummies!
The unravelled secret