- Published:
- Friday, 2 August 2024
The international-exclusive exhibition Pharaoh at the National Gallery of Victoria has drawn more than 150,000 visitors from across Victoria, interstate and around the world since opening in June, secured thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the early crowd numbers which have the exhibition tracking alongside some the NGV’s most highly attended exhibitions in the gallery’s history.
With more than 500 works on loan from the British Museum, Pharaoh is the largest international exhibition the British Museum has ever presented in its 270-year history and takes visitors on a journey through 3000 years of ancient Egyptian art, design and culture from colossal sculptures, tomb and temple architecture to sacred relics and jewellery.
More than 3,600 students and teachers have participated in Pharaoh’s education program, with 570 participants from interstate and 720 participants from regional Victorian schools including Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton, Merbein, Bendigo, Nagambie, Shepparton, Tallarook, Euroa, Myrtleford, Newborough, Wonthaggi.
Pharaoh is bolstered by a free children’s exhibition Ancient Egypt for Kids as well as the return of NGV Friday Nights, which has already attracted more than 12,500 visitors keen to enjoy live music alongside the exhibition.
The exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series which has attracted more than seven million visitors since it began in 2004. Supported by the Labor Government through Visit Victoria and the Major Events Fund, the series has generated more than $690 million in economic impact over two decades.
Pharaoh is the latest event on Melbourne’s stellar winter calendar which has featured game two of the NRL State of Origin, Global Football Week Melbourne, White Night Ballarat, and RISING – boosting the State’s record $39.3 billion visitor economy.
Pharaoh will be on display until 6 October 2024 at NGV International.
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“More than 150,000 people have visited this exhibition, with Victorians and visitors then exploring everything our city has to offer – boosting local businesses and jobs across hotels, hospitality and more.”
Quote attributable to Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“If you can, I’d encourage everyone to see this epic exhibition of ancient Egyptian treasures – one of unrivalled scale and quality – on show exclusively in Melbourne until October.”
Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
“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 back Pharaoh to drive visitation as part of a packed major events calendar."
Quote attributable to NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM
“The outstanding popularity of the world-premiere Pharaoh exhibition reflects the incredible ambition of this presentation, which features more than 500 objects from the British Museum. We are delighted our audiences both local and tourists alike are embracing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”