Priceless Ancient Egyptian Artifacts to Debut in Houston

HOUSTON, Aug. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It is no secret that Egypt boasts a rich history of masterful rulers, but there is one name that reverberates through time like no other...Ramses the Great. Considered one of the most celebrated builders of Egypt, this visionary pharaoh expanded borders, brokered the world's first peace treaty, and became a symbol of achievement to which all who followed would measure themselves. Now the relics that carry his name will inspire millions through an all-new touring collection. Cityneon, in partnership with World Heritage Exhibitions, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Supreme Council of Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt has announced a brand-new, state-of-the-art museum experience exploring the life of Ramses. The 10-city global tour of Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs is set to open November 20, 2021 in its world premiere engagement at Houston Museum of Natural Science.

"We are thrilled to bring this exquisite collection to the world," said Ron Tan, Executive Chairman & Group CEO of Cityneon Holdings, the brain trust behind the exhibition. "Our partners at World Heritage Exhibitions have perfectly captured our vision to highlight the vast impact of Ramses on the historical development of Egypt. This exhibition will be unlike anything you've ever seen. Visitors will not only walk among priceless relics of the great pharaoh but also experience the sights and sounds of the time through a cutting-edge virtual reality experience. This spectacular exhibition will feature 181 rare Egyptian artifacts; the most impressive collection of artifacts on Ramses II to ever leave Egypt. We are honored to have the opportunity to unveil these rare treasures at such an esteemed institution as the Houston Museum of Natural Science. We are eager for the museum-goers across Texas and the world to immerse themselves in this tremendous time in history."

As visitors walk among real colossal statues, they will explore many of the world's most treasured riches and discover the most significant stories about Ramses and life in Egypt, including Ramses' military victories. The exhibition showcases a dynamic, multimedia re-creation of Ramses' triumph at the Battle of Kadesh, perhaps the largest chariot battle ever fought. On this captivating journey through the exhibition, guests will uncover a stunningly preserved collection of artifacts, including sarcophagi, animal mummies, magnificent jewelry, spectacular royal masks, exquisite amulets, and ornate golden treasures of the tomb, showcasing the superb workmanship of Egyptian artists.

"This exhibition brings a level of production unmatched by any international touring museum exhibition that's on display today," stated World Heritage Exhibitions President, Anthony Tann.

"Cityneon continues to bring world-class experiences to folks across the globe, and we are proud to partner with them once again to bring Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs to market. This is an unprecedented exhibition that museum patrons near and far are not going to want to miss."

A once-in-a-lifetime experience, Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs is set to the stage of remarkable Egyptian landmarks through never-before-seen drone footage acquired with unprecedented access to many of Egypt's most iconic locations. Guests begin their expedition through a 120-degree curved HD projection screen, providing a dramatic panoramic view of Egypt and unique insight into the life of Ramses the Great, also known as Ramses II. After viewing the entry video, visitors will be immersed in surround-sound audio choreographed with programmed lighting. They will further explore the life of Ramses and the 19th Century surprise discovery of his mummified remains.

"We are privileged to announce this world premiere exhibition for the City of Houston" said Museum President Joel Bartsch. "We are thrilled in our partnership with Cityneon and World Heritage Exhibitions to debut this impressive museum exhibition here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Our visitors can expect nothing short of a first-class, magnificent journey into the conquests of Ramses the Great and the wonderful antiquities born out of the talented artisans and builders of Egypt's long and prosperous history."

Ramses' tomb was ransacked by robbers and the world believed his mummy and treasures were lost forever. But the legend of the great pharaoh only increased over the centuries. At the exhibition, visitors will explore the dramatic 1881 re-discovery of a mummy cache in a hidden tomb, where Ramses was found among long-lost royal mummies.

"It is vital that Egypt share our historic treasures in exhibitions such as this" remarked Egypt's Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Mostafa Waziri, who was on-site in Houston for the announcement. "Beyond the benefit of generating funding to protect and restore these artifacts, they additionally act as Egypt's ambassadors to the world. Houston Museum of Natural Science is the perfect setting to introduce this all-new exhibition. Not only is this museum a world-class institution, but Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs further augments the beautiful collection of Egyptian artifacts already on display at the institution. Guests who have enjoyed the facility's Hall of Egypt over the years will now have the chance to expand their curiosity with a brand-new exhibition centered on one of Egypt's most notorious rulers in Ramses the Great."

"Ramses II is considered to be the greatest king to ever rule Egypt" championed former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities and notable Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.  "Many of the structures and artifacts that we've used to trace the history of Egypt were created as a result of Ramses the Great. This exhibition will illuminate the pivotal moments that earned the great pharaoh his place in history while bringing visitors face-to-face with beautiful Egyptian artifacts." 

The exhibition will also feature an immersive virtual reality experience depicted in a whirlwind tour of arguably Ramses' most impressive monuments, the temples of Abu Simbel and Nefertari's Tomb. The experience is led by the ghostly incarnation of Ramses' illustrious wife, Nefertari, as she attempts to make it back to the afterlife and her loving husband. Along the way, Nefertari will share how Ramses transformed Egypt as a general, architect, and custodian of the ancient Egyptian religion. In cinematic motion chairs, viewers will fly through temples, sandstorms, and even come face-to-face with Ramses' mummy in this electrifying animated journey.

Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs opens November 20th at Houston Museum of Natural Science. Tickets are on sale now. Admission to Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs is $20 for members; $35 for adults; $27 for children and seniors (60+). Visit HMNS.org for tickets and information.

About Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation's most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.

About Cityneon Holdings
With its global reach and international partnerships, Cityneon has the capability to serve its clients anywhere in the world. Cityneon was listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Stock Exchange since 2005, and was privatized on February 2019 by West Knighton Limited, a company wholly owned by Cityneon's Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Ron Tan, together with Hong Kong veteran entrepreneur and investor, Johnson Ko Chun Shun. Johnson is a capital markets veteran and has held controlling interests and directorships in many listed companies. In May 2019, Cityneon welcomed CITIC Capital as a new shareholder, who holds approximately 9% shares in Cityneon. CITIC Capital is part of CITIC Group, one of China's largest conglomerates, and has over US$29B of assets under its management across 100 funds and investment products globally. Other institutional shareholders of the Group include EDBI - a Singapore government-linked global investor, and Pavilion Capital - a Singapore-based investment institution which focuses on private equity investments, that made strategic investments to the Group in August and October 2019 respectively. In April 2021, Cityneon welcomed new investors Seatown Holdings International, Qatar's Doha Venture Capital, which will now own approximately 4% of the Group, and other financial institutions and family offices in Singapore and China, joining the already strong stable of shareholders to support the Group's further expansion globally. For more information, please visit www.cityneongroup.com.

About World Heritage Exhibitions
World Heritage Exhibitions (WHE) is a worldwide leader in producing, promoting, and designing blockbuster exhibitions. WHE is renowned for producing the finest quality museum content that captivates, educates, and inspires visitors across the globe. With a combined 50-years of exhibition experience, the executive team is responsible for touring many of the world's most valuable treasures, including objects from King Tutankhamun's tomb, relics from Cleopatra's Royal Palace, artifacts from the Titanic, items from the discovery of Pompeii, and more. Their exhibitions have now been enjoyed by over 30 million people, spanning six continents, and their collective expertise has come together in one of the most influential touring exhibition companies on the planet.

SOURCE Houston Museum of Natural Science

Related Links

www.hmns.org