LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of seeing the treasures of Ancient Egypt. So when the chance arrived to experience Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at The NEC Campus in Birmingham, I knew it was an opportunity not to miss.

Running for a strictly limited 12-week season until 13 September 2026, this award-winning exhibition offers visitors the chance to journey into the world of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, combining fascinating history with cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling and spectacular visual displays.

For our family, it was especially exciting because our daughter has always been fascinated by Ancient Egypt. Watching her excitement grow as we entered the exhibition and the world of King Tut unfolded around us was truly magical. It felt as though we had brought her dream of visiting Egypt to life – without leaving the UK.

From the moment we arrived, the experience transported us thousands of years into the past. The exhibition blends authentic historical storytelling with CGI-enhanced displays, carefully created replicas and fascinating artefacts, bringing the legendary story of Tutankhamun and the discovery of his tomb by British archaeologist Howard Carter vividly to life.

A Journey Through Ancient Egypt

Spanning an impressive 2,000 square metres, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition has welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors worldwide and has received international acclaim, including three prestigious Telly Awards.

Created in collaboration with Egyptologists and historians, the exhibition guides visitors through a series of specially designed galleries exploring the mysteries, mythology and daily life of Ancient Egypt.

The adventure begins with the dramatic sight of a “walking Anubis” before leading into the first of three treasure rooms. These spaces combine captivating displays with historical information, replicas and artefacts, helping visitors understand the incredible civilisation behind the legend of Tutankhamun.

One of the most impressive parts of the experience is the huge immersive video mapping room, featuring projections across eight-metre-high surfaces. As we sat surrounded by incredible visuals, we travelled through Egypt’s landscapes, explored its cultural heritage and followed the story of Tutankhamun’s life, his tomb and the extraordinary discovery that captured the world’s imagination in 1922.

The inclusion of a recorded interview with Howard Carter added another layer of authenticity, allowing visitors to connect with the moment one of history’s greatest archaeological discoveries was made.

Walking in Howard Carter’s Footsteps

Before entering the immersive metaverse experience, visitors can explore a recreated version of Howard Carter’s tent, complete with his notebooks, historical images and information about his archaeological work.

This attention to detail makes the exhibition particularly special for families and young history enthusiasts, as it encourages children to become curious about archaeology and the stories behind the discoveries.

The adventure continues with a 360-degree seated virtual reality experience, taking visitors into the mystical world of the Egyptian afterlife. From there, guests can step into an interactive digital recreation of the Valley of the Kings, exploring Howard Carter’s basecamp and reliving the unforgettable discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

A Family Experience Full of Wonder

The approximately 85-minute experience is designed with families, schools and history lovers in mind. It combines education and entertainment perfectly, making Ancient Egypt accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages.

The specially composed orchestral soundtrack adds to the atmosphere, surrounding visitors with music created to enhance the feeling of stepping into another world.

A highlight for many guests will be the AI photobooth at the end of the journey, where visitors can transform themselves into citizens of Ancient Egypt and take home a unique souvenir of their adventure.

For our daughter, the combination of storytelling, technology and history made the exhibition unforgettable. Seeing her face light up as she explored the displays was a reminder of how powerful experiences like this can be in inspiring children’s imaginations.

Plan Your Visit

Located in Hall 11 of The NEC Campus, Birmingham, the exhibition is easily accessible by train, bus and car, making it a convenient family day out.

Tickets start from £22 for adults (16+), with children’s tickets from £15.50 and family bundles available from £16.50 per ticket. The Pharaoh Package, which includes entry and merchandise, starts from £47. A £2 booking fee applies at checkout.

As part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative, 100% per cent of the temporary VAT saving is being passed directly to visitors through reduced family and child ticket prices on bookings made until 1 September.

With its mix of incredible visuals, fascinating history and immersive technology, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonder of Ancient Egypt in a way that feels both educational and completely magical.

Whether you are already fascinated by Egyptian history or simply looking for an unforgettable family day out, this exhibition is a chance to step through the sands of time and discover the story of one of the world’s most famous pharaohs.

Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition runs from 19 June to 13 September 2026 at Hall 11, The NEC Campus, Birmingham.