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November 7, 2008

MAJOR EGYPTIAN EXHIBIT FROM LONDON COMES TO SAN BERNARDINO

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - For the first time in history, a portion of the extensive ancient Egyptian collection housed at the University College London, is touring the United States.

The only opportunity to view this exhibit on the west coast will be at the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum at Cal State San Bernardino.

One of the major exhibitors of ancient Egyptian art west of the Mississippi River, the RVF Art Museum is hosting “Excavating Egypt: Great Discoveries from the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology,” the RVF Art Museum’s first international show.

“I congratulate the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum for acquiring a world-class exhibition for the artistic and cultural enjoyment of the public,” said San Bernardino County Fifth District supervisor, Josie Gonzales.

More than 220 objects will be on display portraying the daily life and burial of the ancient Egyptians. The world’s earliest surviving dress (cir. 2800 B.C.), gold mummy masks, a coffin and royal art from King Akhenaten’s palace city of Amarna are among the treasures included in the exhibit.

“The antiquities present us with a historical perspective of the advanced and prosperous Egyptian civilization,” said Gonzales.

Many educational programs have been planned in conjunction with the exhibit, including lectures, workshops and a family day. A reception for the exhibit, free to the public, will be held Nov. 22 in the museum from 5-7 p.m., with a special preview beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Established in 1996, the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum has accumulated a collection of nearly 1,200 objects focusing on Egyptian antiquities, ceramics and contemporary art.

Mummy mask. Early Roman Period, AD 40-60. Cartonnage, gilt, bronze, glass.

Mummy mask.
Early Roman Period, AD 40-60. Cartonnage, gilt, bronze, glass.

Necklaces & Falcon Pendant. Abydos, MiddleKingdom, 2055-1650 BC. Various material

Necklaces & Falcon Pendant
Abydos, MiddleKingdom, 2055-1650 BC. Various material

“Excavating Egypt” is the first major exhibit to arrive at the RVF since its accreditation in March
2008. Of the more than 17,500 museums in the United States, the American Association of Museums has accredited only 4 percent.

From Nov. 22, 2008-Feb. 15, 2009 – length of the “Excavating Egypt” exhibit – the RVF art museum will charge a $5 admission fee for all shows. Senior citizens and students are $3 and all CSUSB students, faculty and staff and children under the age of 6 are free.

Museum hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Parking is $5 per vehicle. For more information, call (909) 537-7373 or log onto the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum Web site.

The “Excavating Egypt” exhibition is sponsored by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors and the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency.

artmuseum@csusb.edu