🚨Father’s Day alert: take your dad on a breathtaking journey through Ancient Egypt!🚨
Horizon of Khufu recently opened at Eclipso Atlanta, inviting us to travel back in time to witness Ancient Egypt’s magical landscape with our very eyes.
Created in collaboration with egyptologist Peter der Manuelian and his team at Harvard, Horizon of Khufu uses state-of-the-art virtual reality to craft a realistic historical perspective. From costumes to architecture and cultural rites, the VR experience transports us to the very heart of the Giza plateau.
Exploring breathtaking views of Ancient Egypt while learning about one of the most famous eras in history is possible, right here in the ATL — and we’re here to tell you all about it.
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We had to strap up!
Once we named our avatars, we could slide on the necessary equipment for our journey to Ancient Egypt. After donning a VR headset and a backpack-like system, we felt ready for the experience of a lifetime: walking in the shoes of past pharaohs.
The equipment was on, and we were all ready to go — but right before launching us into the sandy dunes of Ancient Egypt, Horizon of Khufu’s staff gave us a thorough explanation of how everything worked. The rules are simple: no bumping into each other and the red walls around us, being aware of the multiple groups in the space.
Finally, our headsets turned on.
The journey was fascinating
After stumbling around for a while, attempting to find our footing, we finally relaxed. A virtual guide introduced us to the hidden story of Horizon of Khufu, the name given to the Giza pyramids by Ancient Egyptians.
A cat seemed to be following us everywhere, much to our excitement. But what appeared to be a curious participant turned out to be a being filled with wisdom. In Ancient Egypt, cats were revered as gods and goddesses. During our expedition, this black cat taught us about cultural rites and fun tidbits of the time period. It all made sense during the funeral of King Khufu: seeing how Ancient Egyptians related to death gave us a larger understanding of history as a whole.
A few things to note
Just like other immersive events, your Horizon of Khufu experience can be affected by various factors. Firstly, the time and day of your visit. Groups are well distributed, but there are moments where a louder group can influence your own adventure. Luckily, the staff was on top of it, constantly reminding us to keep voices to a reasonable tone so everyone could enjoy the experience!
Also, keep in mind that with the efficacy of digital effects, Horizon of Khufu can feel really immersive. That means, you’ll often feel like you’re miles above or below ground, and those who are sensitive to heights and claustrophobic can feel uncomfortable. You can, of course, remove your headset at any time if it becomes too much for you, and feel free to look through the FAQ before purchasing your ticket for more certainty.
To conclude
Horizon of Khufu is a phenomenal gateway to Ancient Egypt, that serves as both a fun and intellectual experience for the entire family. It’s the perfect opportunity to see the golden sands and tranquil waters of the Giza plateay, all while being in Atlanta.