Joel A. Bartsch, a resident of Houston, Texas, has a career in natural science and history spanning almost 39 years. Since 2004, Joel Bartsch has served as CEO and president of the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), a museum that hosts various exhibits and events covering subjects in natural science.
In November 2021, HMNS announced that it opened the Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs, an exhibit featuring the relics of the pharaoh, 181 rare artifacts, and a virtual reality experience. The exhibit was hosted with the Supreme Council of Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Cityneon, and World Heritage Exhibitions.
Ramses II, or Ramses the Great, was considered one of the most celebrated rulers in Egyptian antiquity. As a part of the exhibit, visitors will tour colossal columns, view some of the world’s most valuable treasures, and learn about the ruler’s greatest military triumphs, including the Battle of Kadesh, the largest chariot race. In addition, visitors can view artifacts such as sarcophagi, jewelry, animal mummies, royal masks, amulets, and so much more.
As part of a 10-city tour, the exhibit also gives visitors an immersive virtual reality experience, including his wife, Nefertari. Visitors can listen to Nefetari narrate how Ramses transformed the Egyptian government and culture.
