The Cleopatra Exhibit: HOTEP 365 Visits

Unless you've been living in a cave for the past month, any resident of Los Angeles county has seen or heard an advertisement for the Cleopatra Exhibit that has recently opened as of May 23rd 2012 at the California Science Center in Exhibition Park. This is the only west coast appearance for the Exhibit, running until December 31 2012.
Naturally, We at Hotep 365 being avid Kemet junkies when it comes to anything that has to do with Egypt or anything on the continent of Africa for that matter, jumped at the chance to go check the exhibit out. However, my excitement was short lived when my attempt to purchase tickets online for the opening date was derailed. When logging on to the California Science Center's website http://californiasciencecenter.org, under the sub page for the Cleopatra Exhibit it offers a package deal to view an Imax film on the exhibit as well as seeing the physical exhibit. They also offer admission for each to be viewed independently. Me being me, It was all or nothing which turned out to be nothing at least for that day, because every time slot was completely sold out. I called the box office to ask if any tickets were available for that day and they assured me it was sold out and to plan on every day afterward to have the same results. Long story short, I was able to purchase tickets for the following day.
Call me naive, but i couldn't have possibly imagined how many people would be interested in this exhibit. I mean yes, Cleopatra may be one of the most famous names in terms of Egypt but to my surprise there were people lined up in droves all to see the same thing. Not to add insult to injury, There was a line wrapped all the way around the building that made waiting in line for a ride at your local amusement park on a "Saturday" seem like a quick liquor store run. The time slots to see the physical exhibit were in 45 minute increments and each well exceeded that by and hour or two.
After my exciting wait, we finally reached the entrance and it immediately became apparent that it was all worth the while. As soon as u cross the thresh hold, your are seated to watch a short film (very short) On Cleopatra and her reign in Egypt. Then magically, screen opens up and you are consumed with the ambiance of artifacts thousands of years old, while the luminescent exhibits come to life thanks to the brilliant lighting strategically placed to accent each and every nuance of the visual. While in line, your given a hand held audio guide with what is supposed to be the voice of Cleopatra. The guide is numbered to match the number on each exhibit, giving you a brief synopsis on what the viewer is looking at.
The 13,000 square foot Exhibit boast over 150 priceless Egyptian artifacts, lost (Stolen) for nearly 2,000 years. Clearly in looking at some of the artifacts, Cleopatra ruled during a time where the Greeks were in power and had a heavy influence on the art an the way art was portrayed. Most statues brandished European features with thin lips and pointy noses, but one with just the smallest tidbit of information of ancient Egypt and the earlier dynasties can decode the clues to its African (Nubian) origins. As the old adage goes "As much as things change, things stay the same" this rang true when it came to the deities of old. Asar, Aset and Heru and their image still reigned supreme under the rule of Cleopatra. Who was said to be after further evaluation, European and in fact not Egyptian blood at all.
Overall, rather you're a well studied super scholar and Egyptologist or young novice whose only thought of Egypt is the Sphinx and the pyramids without a clue of Egypt being on the continent of Africa. One will appreciate this Exhibit for its aesthetic splendor and overwhelming collection of ancient artifacts. Hopefully the city of Los Angeles will bring more attractions of this nature for us all to enjoy.
Until next time... Peace and Hotep!!