Ancient Egypt’s Magic in St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG – Saturday is the opening day for the mega-exhibit on Ancient Egypt at the Museum of Fine Arts that will include the stuff that people typically only see in Hollywood movies: mummy cases, papyrus fragments and a limestone sphinx.

"Art and Magic: Treasures from the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art" spotlights the art and magic of Egypt and its rich history.

This likely will be a huge draw for the St. Petersburg museum. So, if you're worried about a crush of people at the grand opening, keep in mind that the displays are around through April 29.

"The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is proud to bring these distinguished works of art to America,” said Museum Director Kent Lydecker in a museum news release. “The quality of the objects will be a revelation to scholars and the public."

Guest curator Dr. Robert Steven Bianchi is an internationally known Egyptologist. Dr. Bianchi emphasizes the Egyptian’s spirituality that shines through in art and design.

Priests and workers were side by side in the gathering of materials for the exhibitions. Certain rituals were performed over the objects upon their entering and leaving of the quarry.

Objects showcased in the exhibit are said to be mind blowing for both the scholarly and the public. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: $17
• Adults, age 65+: $15
• Students, age 7+: $10 (including college students with proper i.d.)
• Kids 7 and under: Free
• With groups of 10+: $12 for adults and $4 for children with prior reservations