How about a trip back in time to Ancient Egypt? The Horizon of Khufu is a 45-minute VR experience that takes you to the mysterious era of pharaohs, pyramids, and hieroglyphs. This project showcases the dedication of a group of experts in VR technology, digital art, historical research, and 3D animation, all working together to recreate Ancient Egypt with astonishing accuracy. It’s a truly unique experience.

The tour is guided by Mona the Egyptologist, whose name is an anagram of “Amon,” one of the main gods of the Egyptian pantheon, and a beautiful cat deity called Bastet, whose cult was already fervent in the Nile delta during Khufu's time. The two of them guide us through the pyramid’s hidden chambers, ascending the massive structure, and taking in a breathtaking view of the Giza Plateau.

The experience even includes an ancient embalming ceremony where visitors can witness the funeral rites of King Khufu himself. The royal figures wear finery and jewelry that have been reconstructed thanks to the objects found in the tomb of Khufu's mother, Queen Hetepherus. Additionally, the offering tables in temples are also filled with dishes described in the bas-reliefs found in the Giza tombs. These scenes are both educational and visually striking, fully drawing you into the atmosphere and beliefs of ancient Egypt.

Even though you’re actually, physically, moving through a large empty room, virtual safety features, like shadowy silhouettes or red warning lights, appear in your vision whenever you’re near another person or a wall. It feels a bit unusual at first, but you quickly adjust and get comfortable with the experience and start exploring.

*The space to explore the VR experience in New York, Eclipso NYC*

Horizon of Khufu lets visitors wander around a 10,000-square-foot space that mirrors the Great Pyramid’s interiors and exteriors. The experience is crafted to be as real as it gets, allowing visitors to explore areas of the pyramid that have been off-limits to the public — until now.

The VR experience is the product of an ambitious and talented team brought together by Excurio, whose approach combines cutting-edge virtual reality technology with an authentic storytelling experience that blurs the lines between education and entertainment. Creative director Pierre Gable and his collaborators have done a fantastic job bringing the ancient world to life.

Historical accuracy is central to the experience, and Excurio collaborated closely with Harvard University’s Dr. Peter Der Manuelian, a renowned Egyptologist and director at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East. Der Manuelian’s expertise in funerary architecture and the Giza Plateau informed every detail, from the layout of the pyramid's hidden chambers to the hieroglyphic texts, ensuring the VR journey reflects the true spirit of the space. They even included the marks tourists left on the pyramids over the years!

Other advisors, including Dr. Nicholas Picardo and Dr. Aleksandra Hallmann, provided further insights to enhance the authenticity of the visuals and historical context. The virtual characters of Ankh Haf (Vizier and half-brother of King Khufu, supervisor of the necropolis) and Hemiunu (architect of the Great Pyramid of Giza), for instance, were created from highly realistic busts found in their respective tombs. The project is the result of meticulous research and data collection, ensuring that every part of the experience is as close to the real thing as possible.

“Horizon of Khufu is an extraordinary immersive experience that immerses you in the grandeur of the Giza site. This virtual journey opens doors to places that are not usually accessible, either geographically or historically.”

— Peter Der Manuelian, Egyptologist at Harvard University

The Horizon of Khufu team includes over 28 artists and technicians who specialize in virtual reality, 3D design, and animation. Leading 3D artists like Régis Boissenin, along with a skilled group of animators and technical artists, created the textures, lighting, and interactive elements that make the environment feel as though it has been carved from stone and worn by centuries. Their work ensures that every corner of the pyramid reflects the craftsmanship of Ancient Egyptian builders.

With artists like Margaux Badaya Delaroche leading animation efforts and specialized 3D professionals working on architectural reconstitutions, the team recreated Khufu's pyramid with jaw-dropping detail. From the ancient corridors to the iconic mastabas surrounding the pyramid, each detail has been created with the utmost care. The production also used photogrammetry techniques by Iconem to add realism, ensuring that textures and structures reflect the natural wear of millennia.

Jean-Baptiste Sarrazin, a technical artist, contributed his expertise to optimize the VR setup, making the virtual experience stunning and accessible. Meanwhile, motion capture actors, including Romain Ogerau and Coralie Russier, lent a human touch, bringing characters like Mona and other figures of the ancient world to life.

The experience’s sound design, led by Kevin Fouetillou, immerses visitors with carefully composed music and audio effects that echo through the pyramid chambers and across the Giza Plateau. The voice-over team, featuring actors Kaycie Chase, Sharon Mann, and others, delivers lines that guide visitors and bring emotion to the historical narratives unfolding around them. The voices are available in multiple languages, further broadening the accessibility of the experience.

Horizon of Khufu is limited to those age 8 and up with ticket prices starting at around $30. Plus, if you experience the journey with friends or family, your tickets are connected, so you see each other as avatars in the virtual world. How cool is that?

Horizon of Khufu combines modern VR technology with the timeless allure of ancient Egypt, offering a chance to explore like never before. Experience Horizon of Khufu in New York, Atlanta, London, Calgary, Montreal, or Sydney, and let us know your thoughts!