"The Egypt of the Pharaohs" at the Bassins des Lumières

From 21 February 2025, Bordeaux will see its Bassins des Lumières light up with two exceptional digital exhibitions.
These exhibitions, which are part of the Bassins des Lumières' ongoing effort to present cultural experiences that are both immersive and innovative, promise to deliver a truly unforgettable and breathtaking moment!

Long programme: "The Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II"

In 2025, travel back in time and rediscover the Egypt of the pharaohs through the masterpieces of this mythical civilisation, spanning three millennia and captivating generations.
The exhibition begins with the remains of ancient Egypt as they appeared to French scientists during the Egyptian Campaign from 1798 to 1801. The journey continues along the Nile. The daily life of ancient Egypt unfolds through magnificent bas-reliefs, paintings, and ancient papyri. Gigantic construction sites and wonders of ancient architecture, the pyramids will literally rise before your eyes: one by one, colossal blocks are stacked to erect the eternal tombs of kings, guarded by the majestic Sphinx.

The incredible longevity of ancient Egypt is intimately linked to the pharaohs. Monumental sculptures of rulers then dominate the space: Khafre, Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhenaten, and Nefertiti... The journey opens into the Valley of the Kings, home to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. The Valley of the Queens also holds pure wonders revealed on walls in vibrant colours. The cycle of life comes to an end, leading you into the afterlife. The journey concludes, having unveiled only a fraction of this fascinating ancient Egypt.

Short programme: "The Orientalists: Ingres, Delacroix, Gérôme..."

This digital creation revisits this iconic 19th-century movement.
In the 19th century, the doors of the Orient opened to Western painters drawn to the mysteries of distant lands. Dazzled by the light of the great South, which highlights the contours of arid landscapes and the colours of spectacularly patterned architecture, the Orientalists—Delacroix, Gérôme, Ingres, and other major figures of European expression—invite you on a true pictorial expedition to a new, exotic, and captivating world of the imagined Orient.

They will invite you to wander the alleys of Eastern cities and souks, to slip into interiors shielded from the sun, to join the dance of the Oriental soul, and to stroll through the courtyards of sumptuous palaces. Accompany the artists on their peregrinations and experience the arduous crossing of a merciless desert, with a stop at the oases. Encounter wild animals, whose hunting scenes captivate these Orientalist painters. Finally, moucharabiehs allow glimpses into the mysterious world of harems...

Practical info

Opening hours

• The opening hours are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend checking the official website of the Bassins des Lumières for more information.

Admission

• Full price: €16
• Senior rate: €15 (over 65)
• Reduced rate : 12.50 (students, jobseekers, holders of the Education pass, accompanying person of a disabled person, on presentation of proof)
• Youth ticket: €9 (6-25 years old)
• Family price: €43 (2 adults + 2 young people)
• Free for children under 6, holders of a disability card, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, lecturers and interpreter-guides, journalists, people on minimum welfare benefits, scientific staff of public museums, members of the art critics' association (on presentation of proof).

Other informations

• Last admission 1 hour 15 minutes before the site closes. Immersive exhibitions are shown continuously.
• The bookshop is open during the art centre's opening hours.
• Length of visit: 1h-1h15