NGA: The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt

Step inside a full-scale reproduction of the tomb of Thutmose III
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View the exhibition film
The Quest for Immortality in Ancient Egypt. (10 min.)
Program transcript
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Examine details of selected objects while listening to informative narratives from the experts
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Exhibition Brochure (PDF 334K)
Family Guide (PDF 684K)
Map of Ancient Egypt
Press Materials
Loan Programs

View 18 objects from the exhibition

Exhibition Information | Technical Requirements

From the earliest times, Egyptians denied the physical impermanence of life. They formulated a remarkably complex set of religious beliefs and funneled vast material resources into the quest for immortality. This exhibition focuses on the understanding of the afterlife among Egyptians some 3,000 years ago, in the period of the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC) through the Late Period (664-332 BC). The New Kingdom marked the beginning of an era of great wealth, power, and stability for Egypt, and was accompanied by a burst of cultural activity, much of which was devoted to the quest for eternal life.

The exhibition is divided into six sections: Journey to the Afterworld, The New Kingdom, The Royal Tomb, Tombs of Nobles, The Realm of the Gods, and The Tomb of Thutmose III.

Organization: Organized by United Exhibits Group, Copenhagen, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in association with the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Cairo.

Sponsor: The exhibition was supported in part by Chevy Chase Bank.

The exhibition is supported in part by Chevy Chase Bank.

Press Materials (6/28/02)

Press Materials (6/26/02)

Press Materials (6/20/02)

QuickTime VR
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Streaming Slideshows
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Adobe Acrobat PDF Files
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