Ancient secrets revealed in exclusive Brisbane exhibition
03 October 2011
In what is another coup for the Queensland events calendar, Arts Minister Rachel Nolan today announced Queensland Museum South Bank will be the only Australian venue to host Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb. Ms Nolan said Queensland will host the esteemed British Museum's touring exhibition from 19 April -19 August 2012.
"I am delighted to announce the revamped Queensland Museum will reopen early 2012 reenergised and primed to stage Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb," Ms Nolan said.
"This is an eye opening exploration of ancient Egyptian civilisation, based around the mummy of Nesperennub, a prized treasure of the British Museum that has remained untouched and intact for almost 3000 years.
"The exhibition opens with an engaging 3-D film experience showing the virtual unwrapping of Nesperennub's mummy, which will be on display, using the most advanced medical scanning technology currently available.
"An exhibition of this calibre positions Brisbane as a must-stop destination on the national cultural tourism calendar, attracting bright and creative people to our state and providing a real economic boost to Queensland.
"People will travel far and wide to experience the British Museum's spectacular multimedia exhibition, which includes other highly prized and precious mummies from the museum's collection.
"This exhibition coincides with the Queensland Museum's 150th anniversary next year and with four exceptionally preserved mummies and over 100 ancient objects, this is undoubtedly a spectacular way to celebrate."
Ms Nolan said the State Government, through Events Queensland, is supporting the exhibition that will bring a piece of the world to Brisbane.
"This announcement follows a recent funding commitment of an extra $83 million over four years for major events in Queensland," she said.
"It is also a great way to return to the Museum after its short term closure for refurbishments, which will enhance visitor access and experiences at the Museum and make it better for people to enjoy exhibitions such as Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb."
"This is the latest addition to Queensland's dynamic and growing events calendar and as recent successes at Queensland's Cultural Centre have shown, Brisbane has all the right ingredients when it comes to hosting major cultural events.
"Following the announcements of exclusives at the Gallery of Modern Art like Valentino, Surrealism and the upcoming Matisse and Prado exhibitions, Brisbane is building its reputation as a leader in delivering great arts and culture.
"This partnership between the Queensland Museum, British Museum, Events Queensland and Bank of Queensland will provide a massive injection to our economy, while driving social reform."
Curated by John Taylor of the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan at the British Museum, Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb uncovers the mysteries surrounding life, death and the afterlife that influenced the evolution of ancient Egyptian civilisation.
Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb will show in the soon to be redeveloped international gallery spaces of Queensland Museum South Bank, providing a custom built space to showcase some of the greatest wonders of the ancient world.
To find out more about Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb, or other great events on in Queensland this year visit www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au or www.eventsqld.com.au
Media Contact: 0409 419 719
Images available on request
