Egyptian Antiquities from the Louvre is a major new international exhibition opening at the Art Gallery of South Australia in March 2007. Over two hundred precious objects will be on show in the first exhibition to come to Australia from the Louvre in almost two decades.

Egyptian Antiquities from the Louvre presents ancient Egyptian art and culture in all its beauty and diversity, following the soul through the Underworld on its journey from earthly life to eternity with the gods in the heavenly Field of Reeds.

The objects date from the time of the construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza, around 5,000 years ago, to the age of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh. They not only encompass the splendid sculptures of gods and goddesses, kings and priests, sarcophagi and scarabs, but also smaller articles for daily and ritual use that increase our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and belief.

The Musée du Louvre is home to one of the world's largest and most outstanding collections of Egyptian Antiquities. This unprecedented exhibition presents a unique opportunity for Australians to see the treasures of one of history's greatest civilisations, from one of the world's greatest museums, without leaving home.

Egypt Lunch + Exhibition ticket package
Entree + dessert + entry ticket $39.50 or
Main course + dessert + entry ticket $49.50
This package can only be purchased from the Gallery Restaurant

View the current Egypt themed menu and wine list available throughout the Adelaide season of Egyptian Antiquities from the Louvre: Journey from the Afterlife

Wednesday 21 March at 5.45pm
Treasures from the Louvre
Spend an evening with the Louvre’s Marc Etienne, curator of this magnificent exhibition
Tickets: $30, $20 Members
Radford Auditorium

Saturday 31 March 1pm – 5pm
Journey to the Afterlife
Religious belief in Egyptian society centred on preparation for the afterlife. Explore this fascinating rite of passage with three leading academics:
Colin Hope, Senior Lecturer, Archaeology and Ancient History, Monash University
Michael O’Donoghue, Senior Lecturer, Education, Arts and Social Sciences, University of South Australia
Gillian Bowen, Lecturer, Archaeology and Ancient History, Monash University
More information
Tickets: $70, $50 Members, inclusive of exhibition entry and refreshments
Radford Auditorium 

Sunday 8 April at 3pm
Serving the Gods: Egyptian Temples and Priests
Priests acted on behalf of the king whose decisions implemented the will of the gods on earth. Michael O’Donoghue presents an illustrated lecture. Radford Auditorium. Free

Saturday 21 April at 11am
Feasting with Pharaohs and Fellahs
Cakes and wine with the Pharaoh or bread and beer with the fellahs
Thanks to the Nile's annual flooding, the ancient Egyptians enjoyed a plentiful and extraordinarily varied diet. Barbara Santich, food historian at the University of Adelaide, offers glimpses into the life and meals of ancient Egyptians. Free

Saturday 5 May at 11am
Egyptian Antiquities
Curator Bronwyn Campbell of the National Gallery of Australia tells the stories behind this special exhibition. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 13 May at 3pm
Glass working in Ancient Egypt
With limited technology the Egyptians created some remarkably beautiful objects.
Learn more from Dr Margaret O’Hea, a leading academic specialist in glass of the ancient world. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 27 May at 3pm
Preparing for the afterlife: Egyptian mummification and funeral rites
Michael O’Donoghue discusses the many facets of Egyptian funerary rites, religious beliefs and the quest for eternal life. Radford Auditorium. Free

Saturday 9 June at 1pm
Forensic Egyptology: Mummy Studies
Modern medical and scientific technology including CT scanning and 3D reconstruction is producing new insights into mummies, life and death in ancient Egypt. Forensic Egyptologist, Janet Davey talks about the fascinating discoveries being made in the area of Egyptian mummified human remains. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 24 June at 3pm
Protection from all ills- Ancient Egyptian magic
Discover the importance and influence of magic in ancient Egypt.
Presented by Michael O’Donoghue, Senior Lecturer, University of South Australia. Radford Auditorium. Free

Friday 30 March at 6pm  
Be among the first in Adelaide to see this amazing exhibition, with a welcome by Christopher Menz and tour by renowned Egypt scholar and archaeologist Dr Colin Hope of Monash University.
Tickets: $65, $50 Members. Inclusive of cocktail reception.

Wednesday 11 April at 6pm
An evening with Phillip Adams
Join cultural commentator Phillip Adams for a tour of the exhibition and hear him speak about his passionate and life long interest in the civilisations of ancient Egypt.
Tickets: $65; $50 Members, inclusive of cocktail reception

Friday 13 April, 6- 9:30pm
DepARTure: Friday the 13th in Egypt
If you're a fabulous 20-or-30-something then you need to experience a DEPARTURE event. Simple as that! Come to our next legendary night and acquaint yourself with great art and new people, kick back with Adelaide's smoothest sounds and unwind with all-inclusive food and drink. Your cultural journey starts here. Tickets $30, $25 Member & Students. Online bookings have now closed however tickets can still be purchased for $40 at the door on the night.
For more information: 8207 7677 or email agsa.marketing@artgalllery.sa.gov.au

Saturday 5 May at 9am
Breakfast with the Pharaohs
Enjoy breakfast in the Art Gallery Restaurant followed by a tour of the exhibition led by Bronwyn Campbell of the National Gallery of Australia and a coordinating curator of Egyptian Antiquities from the Louvre: Journey to the Afterlife. Numbers strictly limited
Tickets: $50; $40 Members.
Bookings essential

Sunday 3 June at 3pm (registration at 2.45pm)
Night Skies of Ancient Egypt: Adelaide Planetarium
The night sky played a significant role in Egyptian life and the celestial movements of the stars and constellations were closely observed. Join Paul Curnow, lecturer at the Adelaide Planetarium, as he talks about the importance of the stars to the Egyptians and makes comparisons between the dark skies of the ancient world and the night view of the skies in our contemporary age.
Venue: University of South Australia at the Mawson Lakes Campus, School of Natural and Built Environments - Division of Information Technology, first floor, Building P
Tickets: $5 per person
Bookings essential

Wednesday 4 April 10am – 2pm
Fruit bowl of the Pharaohs
Under the expert tuition of Phillip Hart from the Jam Factory, create a unique Egyptian inspired bowl using sgraffito and slip decorating techniques embellished with the ancient motifs and imagery from this remarkable culture. Your bowl will then be fired in a traditional deep lapis lazuli blue glaze. Limited to 20 places.
Tickets: $85; $65 Members, includes all materials and refreshments

Sunday 29 April 10am – 4pm
Beautiful Beading
In ancient Egypt, beaded jewellery was a symbol of status and wealth. Explore colours and themes and make a beaded collar (choice of 2) under the expert guidance of Anika from Plurdesign, supported by Cabeadle.
Tickets: $85; $70 Members, includes all materials
Bookings essential

Saturday 19 May 10am - 4pm
Egyptian Amulets
Egyptians created amulets for protection and good fortune. Create your own silver protective amulet with the wonders of Art Clay Silver (99.9% silver). Expert tuition and demonstration of techniques and finishing provided by Plurdesign jewellers.
Limited to 15 participants
Tickets: $140; $120 Members, includes all materials
Bookings essential

Saturday 2 June 10.30am – 1.30pm
Handy Hieroglyphics
The Egyptians developed a beautiful and enchanting writing style known to us as hieroglyphics. This practical workshop with calligrapher Anne Morrison, teaches you to write the characters yourself. Limited to 15 participants. Tickets $50, $30 Members, includes materials
Bookings essential

Wednesday 6 June 10am – 2pm
Make and decorate a Canopic jar
Canopic jars were used during the mummification process to keep safe the internal organs for the afterlife. Using a pre-formed clay jar, sculpt your own canopic lid and decorate in coloured slips and glazes to produce a beautiful object to enjoy in this life.
Presented by Phillip Hart, Creative Director, Ceramics, Jam Factory. Limited to 20 participants.
Venue: Jam Factory Contemporary Craft & Design
Tickets: $85; $65 Members, includes all materials and refreshments
Bookings essential.

Sunday 17 June 10am – 4pm
Papyrus painting
With expert tuition by artist and teacher Penny Cowell, explore the ancient writing styles of hieroglyphics, hieratic and demotic scripts, use ancient symbols and designs to tell your own story on papyrus, then frame the finished work of art. Limited to 15 participants
Tickets: $100; $75 Members, includes all materials
Bookings essential.

Telephone event bookings:  8207 7050 or Book online

Time your exhibition visit to take in one of these lunchtime talks.
Free with exhibition entry

Tuesday 27 March at 12.45pm
The Sun God
Robert Reason, Curator of European and Australian Decorative Arts

Friday 30 March at 12.45pm
Egyptian sculpture
Dr Colin Hope, Senior Lecturer, Archaeology and Ancient History, Monash University

Friday 30 March at 2.30pm
Cult of Isis
Dr Gillian Bowen, Lecturer, Archaeology and Ancient History, Monash University

Tuesday 3 April at 12.45pm
Director’s Choice
Christopher Menz, Director, selects his favourite works in the exhibition

Wednesday 18 April at 12.45pm
Glass and Faience Objects
Dr Margaret O’Hea, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Head, Classics, University of Adelaide

Friday 4 May at 12.45pm
Curator's Voice
Hear from Bronwyn Campbell, from the National Gallery of Australia and a coordinating Curator of the exhibition

Tuesday 8 May at 12.45pm
The Book of the Dead
Michael O’Donoghue, Senior Lecturer, Education, Arts and Social Sciences, University of South Australia

Tuesday 22 May at 12.45pm
Celebrity Talk
Channel 7's Jane Doyle shares  her impressions of the exhibition

Tuesday 5 June at 12.45pm
Interpreting Egyptian Objects
Michael O’Donoghue from the University of South Australia

Wednesday 20 June at 12.45pm
Bread and Beer
Cath Kerry, award winning proprietor of the Art Gallery Restaurant and food historian. Function Room 2. Free

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 2 pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays at 11 am  12 noon  1 pm  2 pm  3 pm
Free with exhibition entry

17, 18, 19 20 April at 11am
A rare opportunity to tour a little known but fascinating collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities housed at the University of Adelaide. Limited to 25 per tour.
Meet at the Information Desk at the Art Gallery.
Bookings have now closed.
presented by the Classics Department, School of Humanities, University of Adelaide

for Deaf and hearing impaired patrons. For more information tel 8207 7005 (voice)
Monday 21 May at 11am
Saturday 23 June at 12 noon

Sunday 25 March 12 noon – 3pm
Celebrate the artistic life and culture of Egypt in a day of free family fun. Learn to belly dance, try your hand at hieroglyphics, have your face painted or enjoy a magic show and workshop. Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer at all times. For further information, tel: 8207 7005

Activities are suitable for children aged 5-10 years, accompanied by a parent / carer at all times

Sunday 25 March at 12 noon
The Prince of Egypt
Val Kilmer and Ralph Fiennes lend their voices to Moses and Rameses, in this charming animated film about Moses’ journey to deliver the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. 99 mins (1998) G. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 8 April at 12 noon
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Harrison Ford stars as the archaeologist adventurer Indiana Jones, in this action-packed romp through Egypt, to find the Ark of the Covenant, believed to hold the Ten Commandments. 121 mins (1981) M. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 22 April at 12 noon
Cleopatra
Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison star in this epic tale of power and betrayal – the legendary story of the Queen of the Nile and her conquest of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. 248 mins DVD (1963) M. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 13 May at 12 noon
The Mummy
Horror icon Christopher Lee stars in this vivid reincarnation of the story where three British archaeologists discover an ancient grave and unleash an evil curse. 88 mins DVD (1959) PG. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 27 May at 12 noon
Land of the Pharaohs
Directed by Howard Hawks, this tremendous film spectacle tells the story of Pharaoh Khu-fu, who, obsessed with acquiring gold, builds a great pyramid for himself and his treasures in preparation for the afterlife, however the pharaoh's ambitious wife has other plans. Stars Jack Hawkins. 114 mins DVD (1955) G. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 10 June at 12 noon
The Egyptian
Set in the 18th dynasty, a dynamic period in Egyptian history, this film dramatises the rule of Akhenaten through the story of Sinuhe, a poor orphan who becomes a brilliant physician in the service of the new Pharaoh. 139 mins DVD (1954) G. Radford Auditorium. Free

Sunday 24 June at 12 noon
The Maltese Falcon
This film classic directed by John Huston stars Humphrey Bogart as the acid-tongued private eye who becomes involved with a host of strange characters, all after one thing - a statue of a falcon reputed to contain priceless jewels. 101 mins DVD (1941) G. Radford Auditorium. Free

Engage your students in a rich visual experience and a rare opportunity to learn about ancient Egypt direct from antiquities and artefacts.

Education Resource available online

Egypt Video

Teacher Briefing
Monday 26 March 4.30 pm for a 5 pm start until 7pm
$14 per person, pay on arrival

School bookings
Education Officer & Education Guides interpretation (30 minute sessions)
Booked school groups have priority access to the exhibition and each student will be given a colour hard copy of the Education Resource

Admission (school groups) $6 per class size group

Bookings required for all activities: call (08) 8207 7033, fax (08) 8207 7070
or email education.agsa@artgallery.sa.gov.au

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This page was updated 2 July 2007