Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs with Kids

The Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition at the Australian Museum in Sydney will take you and the whole family back in time to ancient Egypt. The exhibit showcases 181 priceless artefacts from the life and accomplishments of Ramses II, many never seen outside Egypt before. But what is Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs with kids like? Is it worth it?

18 November 2023 – 19 May 2024: Australian Museum, Sydney

Want to see Egyptian artifacts and mummies in Sydney for free? Make sure you check out our exploration of the Chau Chak Wing Museum

So who was Ramses?

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Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was one of ancient Egypt’s most formidable pharaohs, reigning from 1279 to 1213 BCE during the Nineteenth Dynasty of the New Kingdom.

Renowned for his military prowess, Ramses II achieved numerous military victories, most notably the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, which ultimately resulted in a peace treaty. His impressive building projects, including the construction of the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and the expansion of the Karnak complex in Thebes, showcased his commitment to architectural grandeur and cultural legacy.

Ramses II is also remembered for his prolific family, having numerous children, and his reign was marked by relative stability and prosperity. His enduring legacy is not only due to his military and architectural achievements but also to his ability to maintain Egypt’s prominence on the world stage during a significant period in ancient history.

What artefacts are included in the exhibit?

With 181 authentic artefacts on display, visitors will have the opportunity to view including sarcophagi, animal mummies, opulent jewellery, impressive royal masks, delicate amulets, and elaborate golden treasures sourced from various pharaonic tombs.

Visitors will see numerous mummified animal remains including a plethora of cats, ibis, crocodiles and an assortment of exotic animals. There are also numerous objects related to the religious beliefs and practices surrounding death during Ramses time.

If you are keen to learn as you explore, there are informative panels throughout the exhibit that provide historical context, detailing Ramses II’s reign, achievements, and significance in ancient Egyptian history. If you have lots of time on your hands, you can even take the audio tour which provides in-depth information throughout the exhibit.

How long will I need to see the exhibit?

Based on our tour of Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs we recommend at least 90 minutes. This will allow you time to explore each section of the exhibit.

What ages are recommended?

Whilst the exhibit is open to all ages, younger children may find the crowds in the sessions during the first few months quite overwhelming. Strollers are prohibited due to the exhibit featuring numerous narrow corridors and spaces. I suggest seeking sessions morning sessions during the week when you may see fewer people in the exhibit.

The use of dynamic animated images in the exhibition may cause disorientation for individuals sensitive to light. Additionally, the simultaneous playback of multiple videos in the exhibition might be perceived as loud and could be discomforting for those who are sensitive to noise.

I am very keen to see if the Australian Museum will release tickets for relaxed sessions where numbers are reduced and some of the sensory imagery is toned down for that period.

What will the kids like?

Let’s be honest, most kids don’t often find walking through an exhibit where you can’t touch that interesting, right? You absolutely can not touch any of the artefacts in the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition and unlike many of the Australian Museum’s previous exhibits, there is no focus on engaging kids through interactive sections.

Depending on the ages of your kids, they may find some of the numerous videos interesting. In particular, one short film reveals Ramses’ likeness as he aged which has been generated from his actual mummy will wow them. Of course, there are also numerous mummified animals which some kids will find fascinating.