Where can you spend a day with both Tutankhamun and Genghis Kahn then end up walking through Air Force One? In LA this summer, and that’s what I did last Monday.
Tutankhamun, The Boy King
A visit with Tutankhamun followed by lunch at my favorite Otium, near The Broad, was my original plan. Then I was pursuaded I should see Genghis Kahn at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It was added to the day’s agenda.
King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh is at the California Science Center. 150 items from the Boy King’s tomb are displayed in nine darkened galleries – an appropriately dramatic presentation.
Valley Of The Kings
I have been to Egypt, visited the tomb and the Cairo Museum, but this exhibit reminded me how magnificent the treasures are and how dramatic their discovery. I was back in the Valley of the Kings.
Much technology is used which gives a new dimension. 3D scans of treasures are animated on video screens and floor to ceiling wrap-around screens give an instant sense of place. An immersive experience say the brochures – it was for me. I emerged after three hours – an hour longer than my usual exhibit visits.
Time For Genghis Kahn
A quick lunch and we headed north to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. We were on a mission. The Library closes sharp at 5:00. We had a date with Genghis and who would not want a quick look at Air Force One?
The Genghis Kahn Exhibit follows the Mongol Warrior from his humble childhood, when he was an outcast, to his achievement as ruler of the worlds greatest empire in the 13th century.
On display are gers (yurts), showing how nomadic Mongols lived, as well as swords, bows, saddles and armor. There are replicas of huge wooden catapults used to hurl missiles when breeching walls of fortified cities.
Videos of galloping Mongol hoards, gigantic murals depicting battle scenes and the endless steppe give an idea of the might of this army.
Genghis Kahn The Great Civilizer
The exhibit also shows the lesser known civilizing influence of Genghis. As well as Mongolian-style democracy, his legacy includes literacy, religious freedom, a legal system, messenger service and passports to facilitate communication, passage and trade.
During his rule the arts, especially music, flourished in his cosmopolitan capital at Karakorum. One visitor, Friar William of Rubruck who visited in 1254 wrote glowing account of the treasures and culture he found in the city.
In complete contrast to Tutankhamun Genghis Kahn wanted his burial site to be a secret and unmarked. No one knows if it contains treasure and despite searches it has not been found.
Ronald Reagan’s Air Force One
To get to this exhibit I walked through halls showing highlights of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. There is much to see but time was short. 15 minutes before closing I raced to see Reagan’s Air Force One which is in a huge pavilion with his motorcade.
We climbed the steps to the aircraft and were guided through the cabin.
Staff quarters, press quarters, if only the walls could speak. At the back was a small galley with a birthday cake. Ronald Reagan insisted that there should always be a birthday cake on board – someone – staff, press, guests was likely to have a birthday and he wanted to be sure to celebrate and honor all birthdays.
An elegant tradition belonging to an era of civility.
If you go
King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, California Science Center, Los Angeles. Until January 6, 2019
Genghis Kahn: The Exhibition until August 19, 2018 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Ventura.
Terrific. Thanks. Inspiration for my next visit with Amy and her family. They live in Pasadena.
Oh great. There were children of all ages at King Tut and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially the videos and tech. The food court is quite good.
Air Force One and Reagan’s motorcade would really appeal to boys. The Library is lovely with lots of picnic tables in the surround grounds. Have fun!
Yes, a busy day of visiting fascinating history. Enjoyed your take of your visit.
I was amazed at how fresh and interesting the King Tut exhibit is. I would go again in a heartbeat. Timed tickets mean it is not crowded so you can get around very comfortably A
Whew! I’m out of breath…what a day you had! Loved all your images, and your account, while brief, was very informative. Thank you!
It was a push – but worthwhile. Betsy did a great job driving. All of the exhibits are so well worth going to. Tut was quite different to any previous ones