After my ebola was cured. We decided to spend the rest of our weekend drenched in cultural activities.
On Saturday, we went to see the King Tutankhamun exhibit. I remember hearing about King Tut when I was in elementary school. There was a museum tour. And of course. Steve Martin sang his infamous King Tut song. But the museum tour did not come anywhere close to where we lived. And then another tour began a few years ago. And I hoped that it would come to Atlanta.
My hopes were high because Atlanta had an in. See, the Michael C Carlos museum out of Emory had a mummy. That they realized was actually Ramses I. And when they returned it to Egypt...we found a new best friend. And that connection is probably what got Atlanta a date on the Tut tour.
The tour has some items from Tut's tomb. But not the most famous funerary mask that most people think of when they think of pharaohs.
But what was there. Was absolutely AMAZING. We saw jewelry. Statues. Canopic jars. And just like Howard Carter reported when he first looked into the tomb "wonderful things." (Many thanks to google images. Because they don't allow photography in the exhibit.)
And if you came with us on this tour. About 2/3 through, you might get to experience a 7 year old would finally get on your last nerve. Because her proclamations about being tired. Hungry. Bored. Starving. Legs about to melt into the carpet. And you might offer her for sale to the lowest bidder. Or wonder if you could list her on free-cycle.
And so the next day. We decided to enrich ourselves again. Sans 7 year old.
We saw the Terracotta warriors from China at the High Museum of art. It was also, AMAZING.
The terracotta warriors are another recent find. This time in the early '70s. The warriors were part of the tomb complex of the first Chinese emperor, Qin. The emperor was surrounded by not only thousands of warriors. But by horses. Towers. Art. "Wonderful things." And in the construction of the tomb, they even made rivers out of mercury. But...most of the tomb remains unexplored as they are trying to preserve the contents until technology can catch up with what they want to do.
The soldiers are what people know about. Because there are thousands of soldiers. Most of them larger than life. Some measuring around 6'5."
There were about 8 different molds used to form the warriors. But. Each of their faces was unique. They all had different noses. Different shapes to their eyes. Different hair styles. And head dresses. Different uniforms. Armor. The detail is so intricate. It was just fascinating.
But. I must admit that I had slight trepidations. Have any of you read Maarten Troost's "Lost on Planet China?" If not. You must. It is so interesting. AND laugh out loud funny.
Anway. In one of the chapters in the book he talks about being in this small Chinese town. And how everyone seems to be carrying around doors. Making doors. Carving doors. Outfitting doors. So, finally Maarten asks "what is the deal with the doors?" Well. Apparently someone paid big bucks for an antique door. So now. The entire town is entrenched in making "antique" doors.
So. I do admit to wondering. At least for a second. Or two. Is it possible this is the work of an industrious town?
So...what about you? How do your kids do when you have a day of culture? Do you like to go to museums? What is the most interesting exhibit you have seen? (*who said that?)
Theme song: Tom Petty - It's good to be king.
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47 comments:
Lewis Carroll in the Walrus and the Carpenter.
One of my favorites!
We have a few museums here that we really enjoy, one of my favorites is the Advertising Museum.
Cooper and I went to OMSI (oregon Museum of Science and Indsutry) today. It is our local hands on science museum and it rocks! unfortunately they were between traveling exhibits so we only got to play with the ususal stuff.....
oh well that means we go back soon to see the coming exhibit, which is Davinci!
How freaky... I just posted about museums on my blog! We spent a day at two museums here in town during winter break. One was a museum of art. The other was a children's museum. Guess which one the girls were most excited about going to?
I like going to museums... I could spend days and days at the Met in NYC. Probably, the most interesting exhibit I've seen was a few years ago at the Birmingham Museum of Art... I can't remember what it was called, but there were pieces of art, furniture and jewelry from Versailles... some that even belonged to Marie-Antoinette.
Great share. The one museum I really enjoyed going to was a Natural History Museum in NYC. They had these INCREDIBLE dioramas of animal exhibits. The one in particular that drew my attention was the huge one they had for the flamingos. The diorama must have been 2 stories tall....and at first glance you couldnt tell the painted flamingos from the model ones.
Your title is funny- since I just had to break up with Lula. And in said break up, I mentioned that Alice in Wonderland made me gut wrenchingly sick and produced instant migraines. Not the book, mind you, just the Disney movie- and hence, the Disney ride.
We try not to expose our children to the world too much. Trust me, it wouldn't be good for the world....
Thanks for the sneak peak--we are going in February during winter break--just 4 weeks away! Can't wait.
Oh, I'm jealous! Here in the swamp of southeast GA we don't get much of this culture stuff :-p I used to LOVE going to the Smithsonian when I lived in Northern VA...and the museums in San Diego when I lived there. The neatest thing I think I ever saw was an exhibit on the history of torture devices. That was cool!!!
Oh thanks for the sneak peak! CG is wanting to see the TUT exhibit too! She promises to behave much much better. LOL
I miss the exhibits since moving to lil ol C-town. We get to make a trip to the metroplex once a year and go to as many exhibits we can shove into the trip.
I have not read Lost on Planet China but all those warriors remind me of the movie Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, which we never did go see.
My son loves going to museums and learning about different cultures. My daughter, not so much. The pirate exhibit a couple of years ago was pretty cool and he was so excited to go to the American History Museum at the Smithsonian in DC when we were there in '07 and it was closed for remodeling. They had a few items in the Air and Space Museum but it wasn't the same. Maybe one day we will get to go back.
So, I don't know who said "What is the most interesting exhibit you have ever seen?" but when I googled it to see if I could find out, guess what came up?
Sunshine and Lemonade: Of cabbages and kings.
Now ain't that a hoot.
I love Museums. And you and Shannon are kind of freaking me out with this whole same kind of post thing.
How wonderful. We had the warriors in London recently. They are so huge. What a discovery they were. China is such a magnificent civilisation.
I saw this exhibit many years ago in FL and very much want to check it out while it's in town now. Great pictures!
we don't get much culture around here unless you call seeing the Backyardagains Live cultural.
Anyway, we an awesome thing to see. Jeff and I saw the Egyptian Mummies when they came to our town a couple years ago. So cool.
Glad to hear they were both worth it. The kids and I want to see both these exhibits.
Wow, what a grand day you had!
I would love to see that exhibit someday. Thanks for sharing.
This is just freaky...I just came from Shannon's and she posted about museums too. Was this planned?
I love to go but it's rare when I actually do go.
Oh so cool! I want to see those warriors! Beleive or not, we actually have a pretty nice museum here in town. We just got done with Egytian Pharoahs (not nearly as cool as Tut, but still...) and are waiting for Titanic. Should be another interesting one. I love any and all of the dinosaur ones. And my kids do pretty good at the museum. I didn't take them to see the dead sea scrolls cause I knew they'd be bored with that one, but that in turn meant I missed seeing them too. I was so bummed. I've always loved museums, ever since I was a little girl and we weent to the Buffalo Bill museum in WY, I've been hooked.
I heart Museums! Sans my KIDDOS right now...though!
HMMM I stood in line for HOURS upon HOURS in DC to see Monet exhibit.
I use to work across the street from the National Art Gallery in DC and spent my Lunch HOUR everyday visiting there!
The Holocaust Museum in D.C.- you simply most go!!There are no words.
Tut was here a few years ago, but I missed it (of course). I know it would be so amazing to see! I'd love to see the terracota warriors. How cool is that!?! I am so jealous!
I love going to museums and art fairs and all that kind of thing. My kids like the art fairs because the stuff they see is a little more up the alley of a teen and tween. I know the boys would love to see the terracota warriors though.
I think my favorite exhibit has been Ramses, that I saw with my parents back in the 80's in Memphis.
Wow, two biggies in one week.
We got to see the Tut exhibit when it was in LA. Long long line. Super duper crowded. And we had a 4yo with us. I would have been happy to auction him off with your 7yo ;-).
The Terracotta dudes were here in Santa Ana, but I didn't make the time to go ($$$). But I got to edit some of my son's school pics from their field trip. It looked awesome, especially the "live" soldier out front.
I am lovin the song choice today! We are going to Carlos on Friday and King Tut in two weeks. The Terra Cotta Army is on our schedule for next month.
We are so excited!
Eva is still a little too young to enjoy museums... Dane on the hand LOVES them... Supah star...
I'm JEALOUS - I want to see both of those.
Hmm... I ADORE museums. I remember going to Washington DC when I was 9 and never ever wanting to leave ANY of the Smithsonian.
Several years ago my mom and I went to a Monet exhibit at the Art Institute in Chicago. THAT was incredible.
I would like to go more now, and take the girls... Essie would love it, Gert would too I think. But when money is tight, that's the FIRST thing to go!!!
I loved the Smithsonian when I went to D.C. on my senior trip (just a few short years ago).
The Children's museum in Cincinnati is awesome. As well as the Natural History and Cincinnati History museums that are in the same Union Terminal bldg. Lots of fun.
As for Gabe in a museum; really, you think?
Maybe in about five years.
Maybe not.
Thanks for the enlighting post. My fav exhibit in a museum that just left me in awe, well it was the whole museum . I was lucky to visit the Anne frank haus when I lived overseas. Talk about an eye opener
Thanks for the enlighting post. My fav exhibit in a museum that just left me in awe, well it was the whole museum . I was lucky to visit the Anne frank haus when I lived overseas. Talk about an eye opener
I think the Ebola virus left your house and hit mine. We are in a sad, sad state over here.
As for museums. I have to say that I am J-E-A-L-O-U-S!!! I am from California, where there are TONS of museums, exhibits and culture. Now I live in Nebraska, which I like, but is lacking greatly in the above mentioned. I would LOVE to see that King Tut exhibit!
That's a great exhibit. Isn't that jewllery beautiful ??
Years and years ago, at a museum in NZ, I actually got to very, very carefully hold a piece.
It was incredible to think that the piece once adorned the arm of a rich Egyptian, way back in the time of the Pharoahs.
I love spending tiime in museaums and at hitorical sites, ghost towns, etc. They never fail to fascinate me and have me wondering about the peoples of that time.
A couple of years ago, I went to Grimes Point, which is near Falloon, NV. It's the site of a large collection of petroglyphs. It was awesome to stand there, by that rock art and imagine the people, who about 6,000 years ago, had carved them.
I love art museums and sculpture.
I have seen these amazing glass installations by famed Glass artist Dale Chilhuley about 4 times. Never ceases to amaze me.
Hi, I am so glad that you got to see the Exhibit. I saw it in Chicago a few years ago. (I have heard that the mask will never leave Egypt again.) I also enjoyed learning about the curses, which I have written about in my middle school age novel, WALKING WITH KING TUT."
D.
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/Walking With King Tut.html
We love going to museums.. I really want to see the Titanic exhibit at the Aquarium. You know they have the homeschool day discount. We're totally going.
The kids are a toss up. One day they love seeing the exhibits and learning things. Others... one time we took Tristan to one of the Kids' science museums, and it was a total waste of money. I would've had more fun flushing dollar bills down the toilet.
I'd love to see the King Tut exhibit! So cool!
We LOVE museums at our house! We are trying to work out going to Chicago this summer:)
I am so glad your ebola was cured!
MY daughter is grown but we still love going to museums. I think my favorite was a few years ago when we went to see the Titanic Exhibition at the Franklin Institute.
I LOVE museums, but the husband...well, let's just say it takes something macabre or something about boobies to get him to step foot in a museum.
That being said, I did get him to go to The Body exhibit when it came through here. It fit both of the above categories, so it wasn't much of a stretch!
I have to take a friend or go by myself. When my sis visited quite a few years ago, the Titanic exhibit was here in Detroit and that was pretty awesome! I did get to see an Egyptian exhibit at the Natural History Museum in Chicago, but I would LOVE to see the King Tut exhibit!
I did a blog article for UpTake.com on this exhibit...and it's here in Dallas too, as you know, and I plan to visit soon! I'm so glad you reminded me.
We have to get reservations here. Did you?
That is SO weird you mentioned doors. I was planning on the Friday follies being about Doors. I'm totally weirded out.
BTW, I just love saying "Tut Tour." hehe
Thanks so much for visiting my Blog out in Arizona today. Come back anytime.
You are such a good mom to expose your kids to this stuff. Even when they are resistant. I remember taking our kids to the Getty Museum a few years back. My son was probably about 8 and I thought he was going to die of hunger, thirst and boredom. Here we were, gazing at medieval copies of the Bible and an original Monet on the wall, and he's gasping and whining that he needs a drink and some food NOW!
Sigh.
Alice in Wonderland...the twins sing "Of Cabbages and Kings." My favorite Disney Movie!
Really cool post, Kat. I really want to see those Terracotta guys. So. Cool.
My favorite museum is the British Museum in London. Just amazing.
Ummmm....we don't do culture:-) Hee, hee, hee. No really...my favorite was Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore.
You quoted the Walrus. And have Tom Petty playing. And pictures of Egyptian culture.
Will you marry me? I think you are the perfect person.
p.s. Now, had you quoted The Jabberwocky...well, then...I'd have really lost my mind.
Neat! And I'm so impressed with your cultural awareness and commitment. I feel like a slug. I probably wouldn't go to see stuff like this. But I like art museums. The photos are pretty cool though.
I did take my Little One (4) to the kid's art program at the Philadelphia Museum of Art because I went when I was a kid and remembered liking it. He enjoyed it but we went through the exhibits at the speed of light.
I loved that exhibit when I saw it. We do museums and we also go to many many many many musicals.
Yeah... sorry, Kat. I was one of those obnoxious kids in museums. And I still don't like them today. Unless they have stuff I can play with. I like science museums and children's museums, but that's about it. Sad, I know....
You got to see Tut?!?! Oh...my...GOD! As Mom's already said, I would *love* to be able to see that exhibit. Well, any exhibit really. Since moving away from the big city, I have to settle for seeping in a lot of my culture second hand. Whether its an art museum, science museum, play...I'll take any and all of it. Loved all those things for as long as I can remember...although I also remember having to be told not to sit/climb on some of the sculptures at times...
I couldn't have done the second exhibit. Too many statues. I've got issues with dummies, wax figures, etc. Glad you enjoyed it, though. :D
My kids do okay at museums if we are seeing anything dinosaurs, airplanes and fish...oh and if a trip to McDonald's is involved!
I love all the Smithsonian exhibits...not sure I have a fave.
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