Saturday, August 3, 2024
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The “Pharaohs” exhibition at the NGV has attracted 150,000+ visitors globally since June, showcasing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian art and culture.
The internationally-exclusive exhibition “Pharaoh” at the National Gallery of Victoria has attracted more than 150,000 visitors from across Victoria, interstate and globally since it opened in June thanks to the support of the Alan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, announced the initial visitor numbers, which indicated that the exhibition was on par with the most attended exhibitions in the NGV’s history.
Featuring more than 500 works on loan from the British Museum, “Pharaoh” is the largest international exhibition ever organized by the British Museum in its 270-year history. It offers a journey through 3000 years of ancient Egyptian art, design and culture, with displays of colossal sculptures, tombs and temple architecture, sacred relics and jewellery.
More than 3,600 students and teachers have participated in the demonstration education program, including 570 interstate and 720 regional Victorian schools such as Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton, Merbein, Bendigo, Nagambie, Shepparton, Tallarook, Euroa, Myrtleford, Newborough and Viewborough.
The exhibition also features a free children’s exhibition, “Ancient Egypt for Kids” and the return of NGV Friday Nights, which have attracted more than 12,500 visitors enjoying live music alongside the exhibition.
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Melbourne Winter Masterpiece series, which has attracted more than seven million visitors since 2004, the series, supported by the Labor Government through Visit Victoria and the Major Events Fund, has generated an economic impact of more than $690 million over two decades. .
“Pharaoh” is a highlight of Melbourne’s winter calendar, which includes events such as NRL State of Origin, Global Football Week Melbourne, White Night Ballarat and the Rising, all of which contribute to the state’s record $39.3 billion visitor economy.
“Pharaoh” will be on display at NGV International until 6 October 2024.
Citation attributed to Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
“More than 150,000 people have visited the exhibition, with Victorians and visitors then exploring all that our city has to offer – boosting local businesses and jobs in hotels, hospitality and more.”
Quotation attributed to Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“If you can, I would encourage everyone to see this epic display of ancient Egyptian treasures – one of unparalleled scale and quality – on show exclusively in Melbourne until October.”
Excerpts from visiting CEO Brendan McClements of Victoria
“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 support Pharoah to visit as part of a packed major events calendar.”
Quote attributed to NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM
“The outstanding popularity of the world-premiere Pharaoh exhibition reflects the incredible ambition of this presentation, which features over 500 objects from the British Museum. We are delighted that our audience, both locals and tourists alike, are embracing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”