This is the Animals and Pharaohs 2015 exhibition at CaixaForum Madrid

Why were the ancient Egyptians so close to the animal world?

CaixaForum Madrid gives you the opportunity to enjoy until August 23 an exhibition that is not wasted Animals and Pharaohs, the Animal Kingdom in Ancient Egypt.

This exhibition has been organized in collaboration with the Louvre, and its objective is to show us and help us understand the importance of the animal figure and representation in the pharaonic egypt.

Before arriving in Madrid the exhibition was exhibited in the Louvre for several months.

After my recent visit, I can detail what you are going to see in this interesting Egypt exhibition at CaixaForum.

Animals and Pharaohs Visit Experience

Along the route you can enjoy more than 400 pieces, works and objects of an archaeological nature. Of the entire show, 260 objects from the exhibition have been restored for display.

The first part focuses on a more everyday and closer environment.

The exhibition welcomes you with a labyrinthine setup that evokes and simulates the desert, and shows you a wide variety of the animal fauna that existed in the Ancient Egypt.

On the tour you can see up to 60 different species (represented on different supports), and through videos and information panels you will learn various terms such as, for example, “ethology"And"zoolater", among others.

There are very varied and peculiar pieces such as that of a sitting ibis, which stands out for its realism; watercolors representing wall paintings from various tombs; reliefs with scenes of hunting, fishing, etc., utensils of daily life such as a fish-shaped paddle or comb with ibex with one knee on the ground, among others.

In my opinion, one of the most curious pieces on display are some papyrus sheets with lease contracts from the time.

As a curious fact, the Egyptians also domesticated animals, mainly dogs (for their protection), cats and monkeys (they served as help in personal grooming tasks).

When pets died, the bond that existed with their owners was such that they shaved their eyebrows as a sign of mourning.

At Ancient Egypt There is an omnipresence of animals that does not occur in any other culture in the world. Antiquity, and CaixaForum Madrid Through this exhibition we want to know and understand the complex links that existed in the religious, political and daily life between the ancient Egyptians and the animal world.

After a winding route you will reach the second part of the exhibition, with a much more symbolic scope. Animals were a constant inspiration.

The Egyptians carefully chose animal forms to convert them, by comparison or assimilation, into manifestations of the divine essence accessible to humans.

In its representation there is a religious, symbolic or political discourse based on a meticulous and tireless observation of nature.

Highlight at this point in the exhibition the copy of the satirical papyrus of Turin. 1825-1850, shocking for its erotic and satirical images. Or the hippo game board, similar to our classic game of goose.

There is also a panel with phonograms, where you can see the sounds and their meanings represented, as well as the first words of the Ancient Egypt. And the canopic glasses, very important in the mummification process.

Finally, you will arrive at the most anticipated room, the one where you can see mummies, statues and sphinxes.

The exhibition includes 14 specimens of animal mummies that have been studied and scanned expressly for the occasion. You can see, among others, mummies of cats and even a crocodile.

You will also find small amulets, figures, steles and signs of worship that were used in funerary rites.

One of the most notable pieces in this part of the exhibition is the so-called Statuary group of baboons from the base of the eastern obelisk of the Luxor temple, weighing five tons.

In short, an exhibition of high historical, aesthetic and archaeological value that you cannot miss if you are interested in Egyptian culture.

Animals and Pharaohs exhibition schedules

The schedules to visit the exhibition Animals and Pharaohs at CaixaForum Madrid (Paseo del Prado, 36) are, every day of the week, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m.

El ticket price it is 4 euros.

Do you have availability of audioguide for 4 euros, and also guided tours on Fridays at 18 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 17 p.m., and Sundays and holidays, at 12 p.m. and 17 p.m. (limited capacity).

The price of these guided tours is 3 euros.