History and Egyptian civilization lovers, rejoice! After diving into the adventures of Tintin, a journey through the cosmos, and a poetic stroll with The Little Prince, the Bassins des Lumières invite us this time to Egypt for a journey to the heart of the pharaonic era. From Khufu to Ramses II, the immersive exhibition tells us about the beliefs, customs, celebrations, and fears of the ancient Egyptians. A dazzling spectacle from start to finish!
“A nation of giants”
The new annual exhibition at the Bassins des Lumières kicks off its adventure in the midst of a sandstorm. The grains are gradually lifted by the wind, revealing the remnants of the anci...Egypt ancient as they appeared to French scientists during the Egypt Campaign, from 1798 to 1801. It was at this time that the painter David Roberts sketched them, noting in his journal: “We are a nation of dwarfs visiting a nation of giants.” A truly spectacular introduction that says a lot about what awaits us.
© Culturespaces / Vincent Pinson
The story of the Egyptians, just like that of Humanity, begins first with the Genesis, in other words, the birth of the Earth. And just like with the Romans or the Greeks, Ancient Egypt has its own cosmogony, where the sacred forces of the gods clash and reveal themselves on the walls of the Bassins des Lumières, leading up to the appearance of the first men on Earth. A joyful and vibrant tableau that unveils lush images along the Nile.
A journey alongside the pharaohs
What would Ancient Egypt be without its pyramids? Masterpieces of ancient architecture, these are built block by block before our eyes, to the rhythm of music that perfectly conveys the vastness of the ongoing construction, not to forget the majestic Sphinx keeping watch over them.
© Culturespaces / Vincent Pinson
Once elevated to the status of monuments, the pyramids become the tombs of the pharaohs who ruled over Egypt: from Khufu to Ramses II, not to mention Thutmose III or Hatshepsut... The greatest pharaohs in history gather in a gallery that will make you feel wonderfully small.
From temples to the beyond
The exhibition finally takes us to the heart of Egyptian temples. An immersive stroll through the corridors of these places of worship – sometimes by the flickering light of a torch – before mummifying us and sending us to the beyond. A grand finale among the stars, set to one of the most beautiful pieces of music of all time, “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.
© Culturespaces / Vincent Pinson
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the music that accompanies us throughout our visit. With melodies from Giuseppe Verdi to Hans Zimmer, sometimes you’ll feel like you’re in an opera, and other times right in the middle of an action film. In short, you get the idea—this exhibition is sure to dazzle your eyes and ears. A must-see !
The Egypt of the Pharaohs: From Khufu to Ramses II
The Bassins of Light
Impasse Brown de Colstoun – Bordeaux
Starting February 21, 2025
More info and tickets
