Canadian Museum of Civilizations
2008-2009: Special Exhibitions Gallery A
"FOR ANCIENT EGYPTIANS, DEATH WAS NOT THE END OF LIFE,
BUT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW EXISTENCE."
The Canadian Museum of Civilization's museum curator, Dr. Matthew Betts and his team have done an amazing job illustrating the scientific and cultural importance of the funerary process in ancient Egypt.
Many day-to-day items such as jewelry, clothing, furniture and toys are on display. The one common thread between them all is that they are, or should I say, were used as part of the Egyptian funerary rites.
The exhibit also discusses the science behind mummification - explaining what processes were undertaken; why wrapping individual fingers and toes was so important; how organs were removed and how they were kept intact; and so much more.
The layout of the exhibit was well thought out as we walked from room to room until in the final room, we came across a burial room filled with sarcophagi. I won't give any more details here because going in without any preconceived notions will greatly enhance the experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit with one exception, that caused my friends and I some grief - there were just too many visitors allowed in the exhibit at one time. We constantly felt herded through each room as everyone wanted to see everything but by the same token not take the time to actually see anything as people rarely stopped to read anything. If we did stop to read something, we felt guilty that we were holding everyone up.
If you have the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the museum, try to see the exhibit and the IMAX film. There are also special events that will take place over the course of the exhibit's run. Check the CMC website for more information.
The micro-site that the Canadian Museum of Civilization created for the exhibit is great. Make sure to play Mummy Jeopardy before you go.
Exhibit Information
Dates: December 19, 2008 to August 16, 2009
Audience: Adult Children Family Youth
Event Details: http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/whats-on/event-detail&EventId=314
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