It's been almost 30 years since Steve Martin pontificated in song about Egypt's most famous boy king on a New York City sound stage. Martin's factual distortions aside, he got one thing right: people will still stand in line to see the Tut-ster in action.
British archaeologist Howard Carter's 1922 discovery of the tomb that belonged to Tutankhamun ("Tut" on the street) was one of the most influential finds of our grandparents' time. The most intact tomb of its era, the vault not only held the king's gold sarcophagus - the Egyptian jazzed-up version of a coffin - but also hundreds of ornate trinkets which are said to have assisted the boy pharaoh's "transition into afterlife" (creepy, but cool).
These priceless treasures, hidden for 3,200 years, are now on display at the Franklin Institute in the world-renowned exhibit "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs." Philadelphia is the exhibit's last stop on its nationwide tour, and judging by the recent sold-out exhibition times, it's sure to attract crowds until closing day.
Unlike at most museum exhibits (where it's perfectly acceptable to choose your own pace), vistors to the world of Tutankhamun should make every effort to avoid speed walking. For those who usually prefer to beat the crowd by glancing at the contents in each glass case without reading the accompanying informational text, remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see King Tut's treasures in person.
From jewelry boxes, perfume holders, dog collars, model boats and statuettes of Egyptian divinities to vessels that once held the mummified internal organs of the deceased pharaoh Tutankhamun, items span the breadth of Egyptian life. Each piece contains details not to be missed. Though you'd need your own personal hieroglyphics expert to fully understand the significance of the many symbols you'll encounter, you're sure to find them striking regardless.
Along with the visual intrigue of the items themselves, the exhibit also provides visitors with enough historical information about King Tut's Egypt to stump the Sphinx. Equipped with an introductory video, an audio tour and descriptions of every article on display, the exhibit is far more exciting than your average history textbook.
Visitors will leave awed, informed and with the perfect party conversation material. Add to your arsenal, "Did you know that King Tut ascended the throne of Egypt when he was just nine years old?" Or, "Were you aware that both male and female Egyptians wore makeup?" Your friends will drool with jealousy at your newly-acquired expertise on ancient Egypt. Now's your chance to get in touch with your inner mummy and in the immortal words of the Bangles, walk like an Egyptian.
