The "Golden King'' of ancient Egyptian history is back with some high officials.
Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs opens Nov. 24 and continues until April 18, 2010, at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto.
It features 130 "remarkable'' pieces from Tut's tomb and ancient sites representing some of the most important rulers from 2,000 years in Egypt.
These treasures are from temples and royal and private tombs dating from 2600 BC to 660 BC, most of which have never been seen before in North America.
A highlight is the largest image of King Tut ever unearthed -- a 3.05-metre (10-foot) statue of the pharaoh -- retaining much of its original paint. It was found at the remains of the funerary temple of two of his high officials.
Tut was nine years old when he became a pharaoh of the 18th dynasty and ruled for about 10 years. One of the few kings worshipped as a god with a cult-like following, he died mysteriously at age 18 or 19.
His tomb was found almost fully intact in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 by British explorer Howard Carter.
In what was referred to as "Tutmania,'' the two-month run at the AGO in 1979 attracted a record-breaking 750,000 visitors.
Now, this "almost entirely different selection'' of treasures and more than twice the number of artifacts as were displayed earlier will also be hugely popular, said AGO publicist Antonietta Mirabelli.
In preparation for the show, a 7.93-metre (26-foot), 6.35-tonne (seven-ton) statue of Anubis, ancient Egyptian god of the underworld, "stands guard'' outside the AGO.
"Anubis was an important figure in ancient Egyptian mythology, so it is fitting that this monumental statue signals the pending arrival in November of an extraordinary exhibition,'' said Tony Gagliano, AGO president.
Four galleries will be devoted to Tut with featured objects from his tomb including jewelry, furniture and weapons.
There is also the boy king's golden sandals created specifically for the afterlife that covered his feet when the mummified remains were discovered.
Another highlight is a gold canopic coffinette that originally contained the pharaoh's mummified stomach.
On display will be artifacts belonging to some of ancient Egypt's most powerful rulers including Khufu whose Great Pyramid is the only remaining structure of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
An extraordinary gold death mask that covered the head and chest of the mummy of King Psusennes I will also be showcased.
"In these astonishing artifacts, decorative objects and functional pieces is remarkable artistry that tells an unforgettable story about the splendor of the Egyptian pharaohs,'' said AGO director and CEO Matthew Teitelbaum.
Visitors can gain new insights into Tutankhamun's legendary life and death through landmark scientific discoveries. This includes the first three-dimensional scans of King Tut's mummy.
"Tutankhamun's magic still captures the hearts of people all over the world, even though more than 85 years have passed since the discovery of his amazing tomb,'' said Zahi Hawass of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities.
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IF YOU GO
The King Tut exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W.) will be time-ticketed "to ensure visitors have comfortable and convenient access.''
Ticket prices range from $16.50 to $32.50 for youths, seniors to adults; no charge, children to age five); available at www.ago.net; (416) 979-6608.
For more information: www.ago.net/kingtut; www.kingtut.org
KING TUT HOTEL PACKAGES
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has "jump-the-queue" packages at its Westin Harbour Castle, Le Meridien King Edward and Sheraton Centre Toronto. There is "exclusive VIP access to the exhibition without having to pre-select a time." From $169 per room nightly, it includes two VIP tickets and shuttles to and from the AGO. www.starwoodpromos.com/kingtuttoronto; 1-866-716-8101.
The Fairmont Royal York has the Golden King package at $249 and the Royal Pharaoh package, $179, including two tickets. www.fairmont.com/royalyork; 1-800-441-1414.
Intercontinental Toronto Centre, Delta Chelsea Hotel and Hilton Toronto also have packages available.
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