Immersive Cleopatra Exhibition Opens at London's Excel Centre in March
Tickets for the highly anticipated 'Cleopatra: The Experience' exhibition have officially gone on sale today, with the immersive historical showcase set to open at Immerse LDN at Excel London Waterfront on Thursday, March 26. This expansive exhibition will run for fifteen weeks, offering visitors a unique journey into the world of ancient Egypt's most legendary queen.
An Interactive Journey Through Ptolemaic Egypt
Spanning an impressive 3,000 square metres across nine interactive galleries, the exhibition allows visitors to literally walk in Cleopatra's footsteps. Developed under the expert guidance of Egyptologists, including oversight from renowned Cleopatra scholar Dr Chris Naunton, the experience utilizes cutting-edge projection technology to recreate the visual splendor of Ptolemaic Egypt. Visitors will be transported to towering obelisks, torch-lit palaces, and the bustling streets of ancient Alexandria.
Ticket Information and Pricing
General admission tickets are priced at £27 for adults, £22 for children, and £24 for seniors and students. Educational institutions can inquire about special group booking rates by contacting tickets@fkpscorpio.co.uk. The exhibition promises significant value for an experience of this scale and technological sophistication.
Key Features and Historical Narrative
The experience begins as visitors enter through a symbolic setting sun, embarking on a chronological narrative of the Ptolemaic dynasty. The story unfolds from its founding following Alexander the Great's arrival to its dramatic conclusion with Cleopatra as the last Pharaoh.
A central feature is the free-roaming Metaverse space, enabling guests to explore detailed reconstructions of historical sites. Highlights include navigating the catacombs of Alexandria, witnessing Alexander the Great's coronation at the Siwa Oasis, and stepping into Mark Antony's military tent during the pivotal Battle of Actium. The journey culminates in Cleopatra's royal palace, offering views of the Bay of Alexandria, her legendary library, and the fabled Pharos Lighthouse.
Personal Insights and Sensory Elements
One of the most personal galleries invites ticket-holders into Cleopatra's private chamber. Here, interactive mirrors reveal the secrets behind her renowned allure. Visitors can learn about her elaborate makeup techniques, intricate hairstyles, and the profound cultural symbolism these practices held in ancient Egyptian society. The immersion is deepened with 5D sensory elements, including period-appropriate atmospheric scents that enhance the authenticity of the setting.
Grand Visuals and Rare Artefacts
The penultimate gallery features a breathtaking 360-degree map where guests can soar virtually over the city of Alexandria. This segment showcases key events like the queen's coronation and allows passage through the enigmatic Temple of Isis and the great Library of Alexandria. It dramatically recreates Cleopatra's pivotal alliance with Julius Caesar, her passionate love story with Mark Antony, and the epic final Battle of Actium that sealed her destiny.
Beyond the digital recreations, the exhibition will display 22 original artefacts from the late Egyptian period. This carefully curated collection includes terracotta sculptures, bronze figures of deities such as Isis and Osiris, fragments of glass mosaics, ancient cosmetic vessels, and a previously unpublished group of demotic papyri, offering tangible connections to Cleopatra's era.
'Cleopatra: The Experience' represents a major cultural event for London, blending rigorous historical research with immersive technology to bring one of history's most fascinating figures to life for a modern audience.
