Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, along with cultural institutions across the globe, recently closed to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. This meant we had to close our featured exhibition “Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt” two weeks earlier than expected. Because many planned to visit during the final weeks, Nelson-Atkins Director Julián Zugazagoitia is offering an impromptu virtual tour of some of the highlights. We hope that you enjoy this glimpse into Ancient Egypt as we #MuseumfromHome together.

She was known as The One for Whom the Sun Shines. Queen Nefertari was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. The exhibition featured magnificence of royal palaces and tombs, including Nefertari’s burial chamber, considered one of the greatest artistic achievements in the Valley of the Queens. It also explored the daily life of the village where tomb builders and artisans lived, worked and worshipped more than 3,000 years ago.

Drawn from the world-renowned Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, the exhibition featured the richness of life in ancient Egypt, focusing on the role of women—goddesses, queens, and commoners.

Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt gave visitors a unique opportunity for to experience the discovery of the tomb of one of the most famous figures of the time. Works of art from the excavations brought ancient Egypt to life for 21st-century audiences.