The ancient Egyptians believed the world was filled with unseen forces and that powerful rituals, sacred objects and divine protection could guard against them. More than 3,000 years later, Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold: The Exhibition at NEON at Battersea Power Station is inviting Londoners to experience their own modern-day cleansing ritual.
On Friday 12th June from 10:30am–12:30pm, visitors are invited to bring along an object that feels unlucky, cursed, or simply loaded with lingering energy to the exhibition located next to the Grade II* listed Power Station, where expert healer Emma Lucy will conduct individual cleansing sessions inspired by the ancient Egyptian tradition of spiritual protection.
Whether it’s jewellery from an ex-partner, an unsettling heirloom, or a gift that has always felt slightly ‘off’, objects and their owners will leave ‘spiritually refreshed’ with a certificate of cleansing, an ‘I’m Curse Free’ sticker, and complimentary access to the exhibition.
Afterall, the Pharaoh’s Curse is one of history’s most enduring superstitions. When Howard Carter opened King Tut’s tomb in 1922, a series of deaths linked to the excavation helped fuel worldwide fascination with the so-called ‘Pharaoh’s Curse’. Newspapers reported ominous warnings, mysterious illnesses and sudden deaths, transforming ancient Egypt into the centre of one of the 20th century’s greatest supernatural obsessions.
Photo By: Barnaby Newton
While historians and scientists have since pointed to more rational explanations including toxic mold and bacteria inside sealed tombs, the fascination with cursed objects and protective rituals has never disappeared.
However, long before the legend of Tutankhamun’s curse captured the public imagination, ancient Egyptian rulers including Ramses II were deeply concerned with spiritual protection both in life and in the afterlife. Temples, statues and inscriptions created under Ramses’ rule and bearing his name were designed not only to glorify the king, but to protect his spirit forever and endure for eternity.
What’s more, sacred symbols and ritual objects were believed to hold genuine spiritual power including amulets worn as daily protection against illness, misfortune and evil forces, and the dead were buried with carefully chosen objects intended to guide and defend them in the next world.
Dr Edward Scrivens said: “One of the most fascinating things about ancient Egypt is just how much the divine and the supernatural were thought to be involved in everyday life. Protective rituals, sacred symbols and amulets weren’t fringe beliefs, they were central to how people understood the world. This event offers audiences a playful but thought-provoking way into that history.”
“Everyone has that one object they swear brings bad luck – an awkward gift from an ex, a creepy heirloom, something that just feels wrong. Ancient Egyptians believed objects could carry power too, so we thought: why not bring to life some of this history and some positive vibes at the same time?” – Joseph Hocking, Marketing Director Europe, NEON
Event details
- Date: Friday 12th June
- Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- Location: Neon at Battersea Power Station
- Admission: Free entry to the exhibition included for all participants
- What to bring: Any object you feel may be cursed — jewellery, homeware, heirlooms and personal items all welcome. Please do not bring any large furniture.
- Ticket Information
- General admission prices for Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold start at £32 for adults and £27 for children.
- Due to popular demand, Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold: The Exhibition is extending its UK run until 3 January 2027, with 500,000 more tickets on sale from 8th June.
- For more information and to book tickets, visit RamsesTheExhibition.co.uk
