Ancient Egypt is coming to Birmingham this summer, and it’s going to be spectacular! Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition opens at The NEC Campus on 19th June 2026 for a strictly limited 12-week run, closing on 13th September 2026. If you’ve got history-mad kids (or you’re a bit obsessed with ancient Egypt yourself), this one is absolutely worth pencilling into the diary right now.
TL;DR: An award-winning immersive exhibition featuring 8-metre-high 360° projections, seated VR, a free-roaming metaverse room, and real artefacts from Cairo. Running 19 June to 13 September 2026 at The NEC, Birmingham. Tickets from £15.50 for children, £22 for adults. Under-3s go free.
The exhibition has already captivated over 2 million visitors worldwide, with hugely successful runs in London, Glasgow, Madrid, Barcelona, Cairo, and more than a dozen other cities. Birmingham is its next stop, and with over 300,000 visitors from the UK legs alone, demand is going to be high. Tickets went on general sale on 21st April 2026, so booking early is strongly recommended.
This isn’t a dusty museum display. Think enormous immersive projections, cutting-edge VR technology, and authentic artefacts shipped directly from Cairo. It’s the kind of experience that makes history feel genuinely alive, and for families looking for a summer day out that’s educational and exciting, it ticks every box.
What’s Inside the Exhibition?
This is a 2,000 square metre experience spread across multiple zones, each designed to transport you deep into the world of ancient Egypt. Here’s what you can expect when you step inside:
8-Metre-High 360° Immersive Projections
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a breathtaking room where floor-to-ceiling projections wrap around you in every direction. Towering images of pyramids, golden burial chambers, and hieroglyph-covered walls fill your entire field of vision. It’s genuinely jaw-dropping, especially for younger visitors who’ve never experienced anything like it.
Seated VR Experience
Strap on a headset and step directly into Tutankhamun’s tomb. The seated virtual reality experience takes you on a guided journey through ancient Egypt, bringing the pharaoh’s world to life in a way no textbook ever could. The organisers recommend this for children aged 5 and over.
Free-Roaming Metaverse Room
One of the most exciting elements for older kids and teens is the free-roaming metaverse room, where you can explore a virtual recreation of ancient Egypt at your own pace. It’s interactive, immersive, and genuinely unlike anything you’ll find at a traditional museum.
Authentic Artefacts from Cairo
Alongside the hi-tech spectacle, the exhibition features real replicas and artefacts sourced directly from Cairo, giving the experience genuine historical weight. This isn’t just a light show; it’s a proper deep-dive into one of history’s most fascinating stories.
What makes this different from a standard museum visit? The combination of technology and authentic historical content means it works on multiple levels. Little ones are dazzled by the visuals; older children and adults get genuinely absorbed in the history. It’s one of those rare experiences that works for the whole family at the same time.
Dates, Times & Location
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening date | 19th June 2026 |
| Closing date | 13th September 2026 |
| Days open | Monday to Sunday |
| Opening time | From 10am |
| Venue | Hall 11, The NEC Campus, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT |
| Duration | Allow 60 to 90 minutes |
Entry is booked in 15-minute time slots, so you choose your arrival window and then explore at your own pace. The organisers advise arriving no more than 5 minutes before your slot, as there’s limited waiting space inside. Doors close 15 minutes after the last session.
The NEC Campus is one of the most accessible venues in the UK, easy to reach by train, bus, or car. Birmingham International railway station is right on the doorstep, and there’s ample parking on site if you’re driving (enter B40 1NT into your sat nav).
Planning around school holidays? The exhibition runs right through the summer holidays, which is perfect timing. Check out our complete guide to UK school holiday dates 2026 to plan your visit around the kids’ time off.
Tutankhamun Exhibition Birmingham Ticket Prices
Here’s a full breakdown of ticket prices for the Birmingham exhibition:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission (ages 16+) | From £22 |
| Child (ages 4 to 15) | From £15.50 |
| Family Bundle (4 to 6 tickets, max 2 adults) | From £16.50 per ticket |
| Seniors (65+), NHS, Blue Light Card, Students (18+) | From £20 |
| The Pharaoh Package | From £47 |
| Children aged 0 to 3 | FREE (no ticket needed) |
A £2 booking fee is added at checkout. The Pharaoh Package includes entry plus a range of merchandise, making it a great option if you want a keepsake from the day.
School Groups
Schools can apply for a special group booking rate via the official website at tutankhamunexperience.com. If you’re a teacher planning a curriculum trip, this is well worth looking into, as the exhibition covers ancient Egypt in brilliant depth and maps beautifully onto KS2 history topics.
Booking and Changes
Official tickets are available through Fever and AXS only. If you need to change your date or time, you can do so up to 48 hours before your booked slot, subject to availability. Contact the outlet you booked through with your ticket ID.
Our tip: Book as early as you can. The London and Glasgow runs sold out well in advance, and Birmingham is expected to be just as popular over the summer holidays.
Is It Suitable for Kids?
The short answer is yes, absolutely! All ages are welcome, but there are a few things worth knowing before you go:
- Under-3s go completely free and don’t need a ticket
- Ages 4 to 15 are classed as children for ticketing purposes
- Anyone aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+
- The VR and metaverse experiences are recommended for children aged 5 and over
- Prams are not permitted inside the exhibition space, so plan accordingly if you have a baby or toddler
For primary-school-age children, the 360° projections and storytelling elements are genuinely magical. The scale of the visuals alone will have them wide-eyed. For older kids and teenagers, the VR and metaverse rooms add a more interactive layer that keeps them engaged beyond just looking at things.
Bear with us here! The “no prams” rule is worth planning around carefully. If you’re bringing a very young child, a baby carrier or sling is the way to go. The exhibition is wheelchair accessible, and free PA/companion tickets are available for those who qualify (check the accessibility FAQs on the official website for details).
If your family loves immersive experiences, you might also want to check out our guide to the Mundo Pixar Experience in London 2026 for another brilliant option this year.
Tips for Visiting with the Family
A little planning goes a long way with timed-entry exhibitions. Here are our top tips for making the most of your visit:
- Book early. Tickets went on sale 21st April and popular summer slots will go fast. Don’t leave it until July.
- Arrive on time, not early. There’s very limited waiting space at the venue. Aim to arrive no more than 5 minutes before your booked slot.
- Leave the pram at home (or in the car). Prams aren’t allowed inside, so bring a baby carrier if you have a little one.
- Allow 90 minutes. The suggested visit time is 60 to 90 minutes, but you’re free to stay as long as you like once you’re in.
- Come by train if you can. Birmingham International station is right next to The NEC, making it one of the easiest venues in the country to reach by public transport.
- Brush up beforehand. Kids who know a bit about Tutankhamun before they arrive will get even more out of the experience. A quick read-up or a YouTube video about Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery goes a long way!
- Consider the Pharaoh Package. At £47 it includes entry plus merchandise. If your kids are going to want a souvenir anyway (and they will), it can be good value.
How to Get to The NEC Birmingham
The NEC Campus is one of the most accessible large venues in the UK, which makes it a great choice for a family day out.
By Train
Birmingham International station is directly connected to The NEC by a covered walkway. It’s served by regular trains from Birmingham New Street (around 10 minutes), as well as direct services from London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, and many other cities.
By Car
Enter B40 1NT into your sat nav. The NEC has extensive car parking on site. Check the NEC website for current parking charges and pre-book if you can to save time on the day.
By Bus
Several bus routes serve The NEC Campus. Check Traveline for up-to-date timetables from your area.
By Plane
If you’re travelling from further afield, Birmingham Airport is right next door to The NEC, connected by a free air-rail link from the terminal.
The exhibition is located in Hall 11 at The NEC Campus. Follow the signage from the main entrance once you arrive.
Ready to Book?
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition is one of the most exciting family days out coming to the Midlands this summer, and with just 12 weeks on sale, it won’t be around for long. The combination of world-class immersive technology, authentic Egyptian artefacts, and genuinely curriculum-linked content makes it a brilliant choice for families with school-age children.
Book your tickets now via the official sellers at tutankhamunexperience.com through Fever or AXS before your preferred slots sell out. Tickets start from just £15.50 for children, with under-3s going completely free.
Don’t miss it! This is a strictly limited run. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.