Anubis beckons one and all to the AGO

    
    Public tickets for King Tut exhibition on sale starting Tuesday,
    September 22
    

TORONTO , Sept. 21 /CNW/ - A 26-foot statue of Anubis - the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld - has arrived at the Art Gallery of Ontario to mark the launch of public ticket sales for the AGO's upcoming exhibition KING TUT: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs.

Standing guard at the corner of Dundas Street West and McCaul, the seven-ton statue beckons all to the AGO or www.ago.net where public tickets will be on sale starting Tuesday, September 22 .

"Anubis was an important figure in ancient Egyptian mythology so it is fitting that this monumental statue signals the pending arrival in November of an extraordinary exhibition," says Tony Gagliano , president of the AGO. "What better way to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our transformation than with the return of King Tut , now with the other great pharaohs of Egypt ?"

Also marking the launch of public ticket sales, Northern Trust, cultural partner for the exhibition, today donated 200 tickets to the Kids Up Front Foundation, which will distribute them to local charitable organizations that work with children and families.

"Promoting cultural awareness and providing an educational experience through the King Tut exhibition has always been central to our sponsorship," said Robert Baillie , president and CEO of Northern Trust, Canada & chairman, president, and CEO of NT Global Advisors, Inc. "We are excited to provide the opportunity for local children and families to see these invaluable artifacts and we look forward to sharing this extraordinary event with the people of Toronto ."

"We're deeply grateful to Northern Trust for giving deserving children and their families an opportunity to see the King Tut exhibition," says Lindsay Oughtred, executive director of the Kids Up Front Foundation ( Toronto ). "Their generosity helps us break down the barriers that prevent many groups from experiencing Toronto's cultural events."

A Canadian exclusive, KING TUT: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs will run from November 24, 2009 through April 18, 2010 . Tickets for the advance member previews on November 21 and 22, 2009 have already been fully reserved. The exhibition features more than 100 remarkable objects from the tomb of King Tut and ancient sites representing some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. Many of the artifacts have never before been seen in North America prior to this exhibition tour.

Ticket prices range from $16.50 to $32.50 . AGO member, family and group rates are also available. Children age 5 and under will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online via www.ago.net, by phone at 416-979-6608, or in person at the Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. West, between McCaul and Beverly streets.

AGO members have already snapped up more than 11,000 tickets since members' advance sales began September 1, 2009 . AGO membership is at an all-time high, and the Gallery has seen a large influx in new members since KING TUT was first announced in April 2009 . Member ticket prices range from $14.50 to $20 . By presenting their membership card and exhibition ticket, members can enjoy access to an exclusive VIP line. For further membership ticket details visit www.ago.net/kingtut-members- tickets.

The exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. Northern Trust is a proud cultural partner of the exhibition and American Airlines is the official airline. Additional financial support is provided by the Government of Ontario.

ABOUT THE AGO

With a permanent collection of more than 79,000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America . In 2008, with a stunning new design by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the AGO opened its doors to the public amid international acclaim. Highlights include Galleria Italia, a gleaming showcase made of wood and glass running the length of two football fields along the Gallery's façade; and the feature staircase, spiraling up through the roof of Walker Court and into the new contemporary galleries above. From the extensive Group of Seven collection to the dramatic new African art gallery; from David Altmejd's monumental installation The Index to Peter Paul Rubens ' masterpiece The Massacre of The Innocents, a highlight of the acclaimed Thomson Collection, there is truly something for everyone at the AGO.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Culture. Additional operating support is received from the Volunteers of the AGO, the City of Toronto , the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts.

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For further information: For media information or visuals, please contact: Sean O'Neill, [phone], ext. 403, [email protected]; Antonietta Mirabelli, [phone], ext. 454, [email protected]; Susan Bloch-Nevitte, [phone], ext. 260, [email protected]