By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

When British archeologist Howard Carter discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt in 1922, he never could have imagined the commotion he would create more than 80 years later.

Because of that historical, archaeological event, a celebration of all things Egyptian is sweeping Philadelphia. The “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” exhibit at the Franklin Institute has people flocking to the city for their chance to check out the Egyptian boy king’s treasures.

Philadelphia is the exhibit’s only stop in the Northeast and the last official destination on the North American Tour.

A piece of history
A group from Ann’s Choice recently traveled to the exhibit and said it was a great opportunity to see an important piece of history.

“I wasn’t able to see the exhibit when it came to New York years ago,” Phyllis Donzanti of Ann’s Choice says. “So I jumped on the chance to go this time around.”

The exhibit was as impressive as she had imagined. Donzanti says, “It’s a unique look into a civilization that was extremely advanced for their time. They were a highly civilized and bright people. It was a privilege to see part of their history.”

“We are thrilled to host this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition,” says Dr. Dennis M. Wint, president and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “As the first and only science museum to do so, we can offer our visitors unique insight into the newly discovered scientific aspects as well as the mysteries of King Tutankhamun.”

Seeing is believing
“People are hungry for this type of knowledge,” Donzanti says. “I wish Philadelphia would have more exhibits like this.”

Donzanti says pictures don’t do justice to seeing the works in person. “The art, jewelry, and statutes were just gorgeous,” she says. Her favorite part of the exhibit was the display of intricate gold necklaces. “They were just so finely done. The inlays, gold, and jewels were so unusual and magnificent.”