Exhibition: King Tut, meet Emory. Emory, meet King Tut.

emorywheel (Editorial)

Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum is announcing a new exhibit, Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. Set to start Nov. 15, the exhibit spans some of the most fascinating eras of Egyptian history — from the Old Kingdom to the Late Period between 2,600 to 660 B.C. On display will not only be the reign of Tutankhamun, but also treasures from the most significant pharaohs who ruled the Nile throughout the 2,000-year span that makes up the history of Ancient Egypt. In total, more than 130 unique objects will be on display, and the exhibit aims to give visitors an idea of how Egyptian culture evolved throughout the course of the empire.

This is, of course, a major deal, both with regards to the recognition and prestige it adds to the University, and with the opportunity it will provide next semester’s crop of Emory students and Atlanta residents to experience a special exhibit. Perhaps even more important, however, is the level of trust that apparently exists between Emory and the Middle Eastern governments that own important antiquities (the Carlos Museum recently featured an exhibit that included parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls, an exhibit which required the cooperation of the Israeli government).

emorywheel (Lauren Woods)

Though the exhibit will not be featured physically at the Carlos, Emory’s involvement will likely still have an impact, University President James W. Wagner said in a University press release.

“Emory’s dedication to courageous inquiry and the spirit of global partnerships are qualities we want to foster,” Wagner said in the press release. “The Carlos Museum of Emory University has helped to create a superb opportunity to reflect on and honor the ancient legacies of the world, their profound impact on our lives and the importance of continued dialogue. We trust that King Tutankhamun’s visit will open many doors.”

The Carlos Museum will feature an accompanying exhibit, “Wonderful Things: The Harry Burton Photographs and the Discovery of the Tombs of Tutankhamun,” as well as its ongoing presentation of its permanent collection of ancient Egyptian art.

See the above pages for more details.