Hull’s Hands on History Museum is now offering a chance for Hull school pupils to experience Ancient Egypt. This follows a re-display of original artefacts and historically significant replicas of the objects found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, alongside new interpretation, and new immersive learning experiences.
Many of the objects formed the centrepiece of the Tutankhamun: 100 years of discovery exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery earlier this year, which saw over 1200 school children take part in learning sessions. The planned legacy of the exhibition was to redesign the layout and upgrade the Egyptian Gallery and learning programmes at Hands on History, to bring them up to modern standards and make it easier for schools to engage with the collections.
Hands on History’s Ancient Egypt learning programme has been the museums’ service most popular learning resource for schools since 2005, with regular bookings throughout the year. The new development will allow children access to this inspirational learning resource, bringing history to life.
The newly developed learning programme means throughout the week, schools are able to access immersive experiences in the Ancient Egypt gallery, led by the museums learning team. This includes more about the replicas of Tutankhamun’s tomb, viewing a real mummy, learning about Ancient Egyptian writing and having a go at writing in hieroglyphics, as well as handling replica objects linked to aspects of Ancient Egyptian life.
New bespoke cases, interpretation and learning programme have been funded by Arts Council. The development also includes a new lighting scheme, gallery layout and refurbishment.
David Alcock, Learning Manager for Hull Museums, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the museum has focused the re-display of these important artefacts on what children are really inspired to learn about Ancient Egypt, and that they are now presented in such a dramatic and engaging way for the children of Hull and the region to enjoy.”
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said: “It’s a fantastic legacy of the Ferens exhibition that the children of Hull and further afield can encounter these wonderful objects looking their absolute best, helping to bring learning to life in such an exciting way for many generations to come.”
Schools interested in visiting can contact heritagelearning@hcandl.co.uk. The exhibitions are also open to the public at the Hands on History Museum on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, 12noon – 4pm.
