Since 1 August, Gijón has been hosting the exhibition ‘Tutankhamun: Secrets Revealed’, a journey through Ancient Egypt featuring replicas and artefacts belonging to the pharaoh.

Tutankhamun comes to Gijón with an exhibition on his secrets

The mystery of the most famous pharaoh in history is coming to the centre of Gijón this summer with the cultural exhibition ‘Tutankhamun: Secrets Revealed’, which will open its doors at the Collegiate Church of St John the Baptist from 1 August to 22 September.

The exhibition, organised by Cultura Entretenida in collaboration with the Cajastur Foundation and La Luna TV Media, offers an informative and educational journey through the treasures and secrets of the ‘Boy King’s’ tomb, linking the mysticism of Ancient Egypt with the history of the discovery of hieroglyphs.

The exhibition arrives in the city after having attracted thousands of visitors at previous venues, such as Parque Europa in Torrejón de Ardoz.

Howard Carter’s discovery and the myth of the ‘intact’ tomb

Tutankhamun became the great icon of Ancient Egypt following the discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922, despite having reigned for only a short time between 1334 and 1325 BC and dying at around the age of 20.

The exhibition brings that historic moment to life and also explores the myth of the ‘intact’ tomb, revealing the looting it suffered even in ancient times.

The exhibition features replicas of items linked to the discovery, such as Carter’s original camera, the pharaoh’s throne, his funerary mask, the sarcophagi and the sacred grave goods.

Through historical images, projections and highly accurate reproductions, the exhibition transports visitors to the Valley of the Kings and the context of the archaeological discovery.

Egypt, seafaring and its connection with Gijón

The exhibition broadens its focus beyond the figure of the pharaoh to explore daily life, hieroglyphic writing, religion and science in Ancient Egypt.

The exhibition includes reproductions of funerary artefacts, references to the worldview of the Egyptian gods, and documents relating to the reign of Tutankhamun and the development of Egyptology.

Furthermore, the exhibition establishes a connection between Egypt and Gijón through the sea and seafaring. The role of the Nile and landmarks such as the Lighthouse of Alexandria are linked to sites in Gijón such as the Cabo Torres Lighthouse.

It also explores the symbolism of boats in Egyptian culture, drawing a parallel between the maritime activity of the port of Gijón and Pharaoh Khufu’s Solar Boat and its significance in the journey to the Afterlife.

Practical information about the exhibition

• Venue: Collegiate Church of St John the Baptist (Plaza del Marqués, 2, Gijón).
• Dates: from 1 August to 22 September.
• Opening days: every day except 7 August and 11 September. On 12 August, it will close at 8.00 pm.
• August opening hours: 11.00–14.30 and 16.00–21.00.
• September opening hours: 11.00–14.30 and 17.00–21.00.