Exhibition Brings Story of ancient Egypt’s King Tut to Life
Ancient Egypt’s boy king, Tutankhamun, and his golden tomb have fascinated the world since their discovery by British archaeologist Howard Carter over a century ago. Now, visitors can step into this history through a new digital exhibition at London’s Excel Centre.
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s undisturbed 3,000-year-old tomb marked a groundbreaking moment in archaeology, revealing thousands of treasures that offered insight into ancient Egyptian culture.
Jelle de Jong, CEO of Madrid Artes Digitales, describes the exhibition’s immersive room, where Egypt’s history unfolds on an eight-meter-high digital canvas. Spanning over 1,200 square meters, the space features a vivid 360-degree, 30-minute film exploring the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and life of the boy king.
“We feel like we’re in the middle of a movie,” de Jong says. “You see the Nile, the Sphinx, the pyramids—you go inside the tomb and experience Egypt’s beauty on a grand scale, just as it should be.”
Visitors can also use VR headsets to see a recreation of the artwork Carter first glimpsed upon entering the tomb. “You can be Howard Carter himself, walk through his base camp, browse his notebook, and even listen to the music he played in 1922,” de Jong explains.
The exhibition features both replica and genuine artefacts, but its true highlight is the cutting-edge technology that immerses visitors in the legendary dig. One of the most famous moments—the candlelit peek into the tomb—has been recreated with stunning detail.
Curator Nacho Ares recounts Carter’s iconic words when Lord Carnarvon asked what he saw: “Yes, wonderful things.” This moment remains one of the most thrilling in archaeological history.
Tutankhamun’s story remains shrouded in mystery, from the rumored curse of his tomb to questions about his untimely death—now believed to have been caused by a chariot accident. Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition opens on 28 March at London’s Excel Centre, running for 14 weeks.
