National Geographic - Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
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National Geographic - Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
By National Geographic - Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
About
National Geographic - Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience is a revolutionary cinematic exhibition portraying the true story of Egypt’s fabled boy king. Embark on a journey of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time 100 years after the tomb discovery, and join King Tut in his quest for immortality and journey through the underworld. Through next generation visual storytelling, Beyond King Tut goes beyond a traditional artifact display and leverages soaring photography, objects, and larger than life multimedia to bring guests into the world of King Tut and the archives of National Geographic like never before. It’s a story 3,300 years in the making!
Ages 5-99
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
- Flex anytime admission to Beyond King Tut
- Entry/Admission - National Geographic - Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
What's not included- "Enter the Tomb" VR Experience - available as add-on
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 363435P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 363435P2
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
National Geographic - Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience13New York City, New YorkJoined in August 2022- Hilton9040 contributionsWaste of time and moneyWe attended this exhibit in Jacksonville, Fl and left feeling ripped off and disappointed. A couple rooms of pictures and cartoons was not worth the $180 I spent for a family of 4. No a single artifact and if you actually want to have a VR experience, it was completely over priced. This was a waste of our time.Written July 9, 2023
- justanauthor0 contributionsDisappointingThe exhibit is short with only a few rooms. It’s expensive for an hour long exhibit. I inquired about the virtual experience at the front counter because I wear glasses. The woman told me to take off my glasses for the experience. Once I was at the virtual reality the woman there told me to keep my glasses on. The 7 minutes show was a blur as I couldn’t adjust VR to eliminate the blur. I told the woman but she didn’t care. When I left, that woman asked me how the VR was and I said it wasn’t good. It was a blur and I didn’t see much. She didn’t seem to care either. I’m disappointed I dropped $70 on this event.Written January 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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11 reviews
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komodokd
Merrick, NY99 contributions
Beyond King Tut was a fun way to learn about Egyptian history and culture around King Tut’s reign. After an introductory film guests enter the tomb where they view pictures and information inscribed on the walls. Some walls crumble away to reveal artifacts. At the end of the path guests enter a spacious burial chamber where a narration interprets the hieroglyphics on the walls.
The artifacts found in the tomb are showcased in the next room. The entire room is draped in royal indigo lighting that enhanced the mysterious atmosphere. None of the authentic artifacts are present, but there were replicas of a playable senet game and a chair where guests can take a seat for a photo-op. A stamping station with king tut’s cartouche (name in hieroglyphics surrounded by an oval) was available, but only a single piece of used paper was there for stamping. I suppose you can stamp your skin and have a temporary tattoo. The gold mask family tree portion was interesting. Tut’s parents were siblings - a discovery made through DNA testing (as mentioned in a video towards the end of the exhibit).
After stepping behind the larger than life illuminated King Tut gold mask guests enter a columned section where the mummification process is explained in detail through video (on the wall) and pictures (on the scroll at the base). Symbols found on the linens of King Tut are described between sheets of suspended linens.
In the final section guests join King Tut on his journey to the afterlife experienced through an immersive ~20 minute looping movie. Images are projected onto all walls and the floor (not the ceiling). The ship in the center of the room serves as seats and an additional screen. No need to stay in one spot during the movie - guests can stroll around the space or take a seat. The graphics and sound are high quality which does indeed make it feel like being part of it. I happened to walk in during the circling leaves and feathers part and did feel a bit dizzy from them circling so it was quite effective.
After the movie guests can take a photo where they appear with King Tut on a National Geographic cover before exiting into the gift shop. There is an option for a VR experience that would be $20 in addition to admission ($54 peak, $47 off peak). Fortunately I was able to see this for free, so just basing this on the experience itself without considering the cost.
The artifacts found in the tomb are showcased in the next room. The entire room is draped in royal indigo lighting that enhanced the mysterious atmosphere. None of the authentic artifacts are present, but there were replicas of a playable senet game and a chair where guests can take a seat for a photo-op. A stamping station with king tut’s cartouche (name in hieroglyphics surrounded by an oval) was available, but only a single piece of used paper was there for stamping. I suppose you can stamp your skin and have a temporary tattoo. The gold mask family tree portion was interesting. Tut’s parents were siblings - a discovery made through DNA testing (as mentioned in a video towards the end of the exhibit).
After stepping behind the larger than life illuminated King Tut gold mask guests enter a columned section where the mummification process is explained in detail through video (on the wall) and pictures (on the scroll at the base). Symbols found on the linens of King Tut are described between sheets of suspended linens.
In the final section guests join King Tut on his journey to the afterlife experienced through an immersive ~20 minute looping movie. Images are projected onto all walls and the floor (not the ceiling). The ship in the center of the room serves as seats and an additional screen. No need to stay in one spot during the movie - guests can stroll around the space or take a seat. The graphics and sound are high quality which does indeed make it feel like being part of it. I happened to walk in during the circling leaves and feathers part and did feel a bit dizzy from them circling so it was quite effective.
After the movie guests can take a photo where they appear with King Tut on a National Geographic cover before exiting into the gift shop. There is an option for a VR experience that would be $20 in addition to admission ($54 peak, $47 off peak). Fortunately I was able to see this for free, so just basing this on the experience itself without considering the cost.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon
Florida15 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We went to the Jacksonville exhibit and absolutely enjoyed it. For those complaining that there are no real artifacts: the exhibit is completely transparent about that fact, and I’d expect the ticket price to be much higher if we were actually seeing artifacts. Since the tomb’s artifacts are unlikely ever to leave Egypt again, this is the next best thing to booking a trip to Cairo and a bus tour to the Valley of the Kings. A bonus is that instead of just looking at artifacts out of context, the immersive experience features audio explanations for everything you’re seeing and an in-depth journey into the Egyptian belief of death and the afterlife, which—after all—is really the entire purpose of examining a tomb. The VR experience at the end was an additional charge but pretty spectacular and worth it. All in all, we were there for about 90 minutes to 2 hours for a ticket price less than that for an athletic or live theater event. And we learned a lot. Highly recommend.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim L
Picton, New Zealand141 contributions
Nov 2022
When I see "National Geographic," I expect quality. The National Geographic - Beyond King Tut: the Immersive Exxperience in New York City is not quality.
1. There are misspelled words in the presentation.
If they didn't even use Spell Check, what else is sloppily done?
2. The virtual reality headsets did not work. The assistant reset my audio twice and it woulld work for 30 seconds and then lose the sound. After I had to motion for help twice I gave up.
Plus, the virtual reality was just a repeat of what you had already seen in the exhibit.
3. The facility is too large for the exhibit, thus there is no "immersion." You are watching screen shots and video on walls that only go up a ways before you are clearly looking at a warehouse ceiling.
The facility is in a work zone and it looks cheap, ill prepared and just sad.
4. The staff are unfriendly, ill informed and just going through the motions.
I wish we had not gone. We did the Klimt Immersion after this one and it was spectacular.
1. There are misspelled words in the presentation.
If they didn't even use Spell Check, what else is sloppily done?
2. The virtual reality headsets did not work. The assistant reset my audio twice and it woulld work for 30 seconds and then lose the sound. After I had to motion for help twice I gave up.
Plus, the virtual reality was just a repeat of what you had already seen in the exhibit.
3. The facility is too large for the exhibit, thus there is no "immersion." You are watching screen shots and video on walls that only go up a ways before you are clearly looking at a warehouse ceiling.
The facility is in a work zone and it looks cheap, ill prepared and just sad.
4. The staff are unfriendly, ill informed and just going through the motions.
I wish we had not gone. We did the Klimt Immersion after this one and it was spectacular.
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dfb260
Staunton, VA471 contributions
Nov 2022
Disappointing! Usually I am a big fan of anything from National Geographic; however, this “experience” was a disappointment and is much too expensive! I do not recommend. Really just consists of still photographs and some movies projected on various screens. I regretted spending this money.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bprice602
Queens Village, NY80 contributions
Opted for the VIP to skip lines and get the VR experience. At the time we went, there were no lines so that’s that. Overall it was educational & visually appealing but I found it lacking that amazement and full of wonder feeling. My favorite part of the exhibit was the VR experience. The VIP Ticket included a bracelet and tote from the gift shop which I thought was a good value. The gift shop itself was pricey. They offer some snack and beverages at the end for purchase.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for the feedback and in particular we are glad you enjoyed the VR experience! We appreciate all feedback we receive and will share your notes with the wider team. Enjoy your holiday and thank you for visiting Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience!
Written December 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
niko s
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
This was not an experience, everything was literally an on screen documentary. No artifacts, no mummies, no nothing, just walking around looking at screens. I could have had a better time at home watching a documentary about King Tut on my couch and saving tons of money.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todd W
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
There were no items or objects from Egypt at the king tut exhibit… that explains everything you need to know. If you want to pay to watch 3 documentaries (and see some photos) this is the waste of money for you!
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken D
Little Falls, NJ111 contributions
Dec 2022
INCONSISTENT WITH MEDIA PREVIEWS
Dec 2022
Knowing my interest in Egyptology, my wife treated me to the King Tut Immersive Experience in NYC. Approaching the vast warehouse-like structure, the parking lot appeared to only have a few cars. The $40 parking fee was outrageous! Although we drove our own vehicle to the event, the surrounding area was somewhat sketchy.
As we entered the nondescript "front door", a person who appeared homeless and disoriented wanted to engage us in conversation. Security quickly led him away. We then began our walk-thru of the many curtained ares that displayed, via projected graphics, the King's After Life treasurers.
The images appeared to be timed to a point where one had to stand and watch them several times over to complete reading the text and viewing the image, quite disappointing. Several of the rooms contained multi-media presentations with audio. Clearly, National Geographic went to huge lengths to retro-fit structural ceiling supports, computerized projectors, and sound throughout several of the display rooms.
Much of the tomb's contents are more easily viewable within print, and, at other shows where the actual items were on display prior to them being transported and stored in Egypt's new Cairo museum. (Opening, 2023)
It should be pointed out that National Geographic marketed this event heavily by using photos taken from other, similar shows throughout the country. For example, an extremely large replica of the boy King's shrine was shown to suggest that it would be on display at this venue; it was not. Clearly, the contents of the Davenport, Iowa show were partially used to attract customers to this NYC venue.
The most significant disappointment came near the end of our walk-thru where a staff member attempts to get your attention by coaxing you to have your photo taken behind a very large image of the boy King. This appeared to be lame and embarrassing and distracted from the entire intent of the exhibit. I'm certain that your photo would be presented to you afterwards for a fee.
Speaking about cost, their gift shop was full of "made in Egypt" wares with price tags that were absolutely insane. I can not recommend this venue after considering the manner in which it was presented and managed. (At one point, several adults began to stand on a replica of an Egyptian boat, within a non-accessible section, to get their photo taken. Clearly, this boat was a part of the venue and not a toy to be disrespected.)
(Extreme care should be taken when exiting the parking lot for those who drove to this venue. Depending on the time of day, as you begin to pull out of the lot, you may be confronted with an onslaught of cars turning immediately in front of you. These vehicles may be leaving from a nearby ferry ramp and will not stop within the caravan they had formed.)
Dec 2022
Knowing my interest in Egyptology, my wife treated me to the King Tut Immersive Experience in NYC. Approaching the vast warehouse-like structure, the parking lot appeared to only have a few cars. The $40 parking fee was outrageous! Although we drove our own vehicle to the event, the surrounding area was somewhat sketchy.
As we entered the nondescript "front door", a person who appeared homeless and disoriented wanted to engage us in conversation. Security quickly led him away. We then began our walk-thru of the many curtained ares that displayed, via projected graphics, the King's After Life treasurers.
The images appeared to be timed to a point where one had to stand and watch them several times over to complete reading the text and viewing the image, quite disappointing. Several of the rooms contained multi-media presentations with audio. Clearly, National Geographic went to huge lengths to retro-fit structural ceiling supports, computerized projectors, and sound throughout several of the display rooms.
Much of the tomb's contents are more easily viewable within print, and, at other shows where the actual items were on display prior to them being transported and stored in Egypt's new Cairo museum. (Opening, 2023)
It should be pointed out that National Geographic marketed this event heavily by using photos taken from other, similar shows throughout the country. For example, an extremely large replica of the boy King's shrine was shown to suggest that it would be on display at this venue; it was not. Clearly, the contents of the Davenport, Iowa show were partially used to attract customers to this NYC venue.
The most significant disappointment came near the end of our walk-thru where a staff member attempts to get your attention by coaxing you to have your photo taken behind a very large image of the boy King. This appeared to be lame and embarrassing and distracted from the entire intent of the exhibit. I'm certain that your photo would be presented to you afterwards for a fee.
Speaking about cost, their gift shop was full of "made in Egypt" wares with price tags that were absolutely insane. I can not recommend this venue after considering the manner in which it was presented and managed. (At one point, several adults began to stand on a replica of an Egyptian boat, within a non-accessible section, to get their photo taken. Clearly, this boat was a part of the venue and not a toy to be disrespected.)
(Extreme care should be taken when exiting the parking lot for those who drove to this venue. Depending on the time of day, as you begin to pull out of the lot, you may be confronted with an onslaught of cars turning immediately in front of you. These vehicles may be leaving from a nearby ferry ramp and will not stop within the caravan they had formed.)
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
