Immersive Cleopatra experience brings Ancient Egypt to London

In the first century BC, Eygpt's last pharaoh, Cleopatra lived and died, leaving behind a legacy that has fascinated audiences for centuries. Now a new immersive exhibition in London is reliving her story through holograms, virtual reality and a metaverse walk.

"Cleopatra: The Experience" is opening its doors to the public on Thursday (March 25) onwards.

The nine interactive galleries takes visitors on a journey through Ancient Egypt to learn about the life and mark Queen Cleopatra left on the world.

Egyptologist Chris Naunton told Reuters the format offers a dynamic way for audiences to understand Cleopatra’s world. "People are going to get a strong visual, in particular, sense of the background to this story," he said.

Visitors can experience key moments including Alexander the Great’s coronation, the Battle of Actium and Cleopatra’s royal chambers.

Egyptologist Nacho Ares said the metaverse walk is one of the highlights of the experience. "You walk in with a VR glasses, you're walking on the tombs of Alexandria looking for the tombs of the Ptolemy's," he said. "We are going to visit the Palace of Cleopatra, we are going to be witnesses of the Battle of Actium in the first century BC and many important moments of the life of Cleopatra."

Alongside the visual moments, visitors can also witness more than 22 original artefacts, from terracotta sculptures to ancient papyri.

A towering recreation of the Lighthouse of Alexandria and interactive AI-powered mirror displays revealing Cleopatra's iconic image, enhance the event.

"Cleopatra: The Experience" will continue at London’s Dock X for a 15-week run.

Production: Marissa Davison, Elizabeth Evans/Reuters