Over Labor Day weekend I went to the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park to check out their current special exhibit, Treasures of the Pharaohs.
This small but focused selection features burial artifacts of the royals along with small but well-crafted pieces used in daily life such as tools and utensils.
Two big surprises (to me, anyway) that I learned about: First, one of the pharaohs was a woman, bucking the traditional gender roles of the ruling class, and was often depicted as male at the time. Second, the ancient Egyptians were really into beer. Both of these offer connections between the modern world and antiquity: in particular the role of women in politics, at a time when women’s rights are eroding throughout the world.
Tickets to the exhibit are (mostly) sold as a timed entry, however when I went it was fairly cramped. This was surprising considering that only a small number of people seemed to be lingering to take notes or sketches; perhaps entry times are not strictly enforced.
Admission includes the rest of the museum as well, though the permanent collection is easy enough to see for free if you’re so inclined. Treasures of the Pharaohs is on the second floor; from the entrance, turn left and walk past the gift shop, then look for the stairs or the elevator.
Oh and don’t worry — there’s another gift shop on the second floor in case you missed the first one.
My recommendation: If you’re curious about Egypt it’s worth checking out, however keep two things in mind: it’s a bit pricey, and can get crowded. See if you have a friend who’s a member and maybe you can get a discount? I’d also strongly encourage visiting during off-peak hours.
