Explorers & Egyptomania

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Opened in August 2007 the Explorers Gallery is one of the most modern and exciting galleries in Devon.

Follow the incredible journeys made by Torquay's famous explorers, from the frozen wastes of the Antarctic to the depths of the Brazilian rainforest- and come face-to-face with wonderful artefacts from ancient Egypt, including Devon's only Mummy.

The gallery is the main showpiece of the museum and features fascinating artefacts collected by Torquay-based explorers and scholars during their travels across the globe.

Incorporated in the gallery is the "Egyptomania" exhibition - a collection of artefacts revealing life and death in Ancient Egypt. The highlight is Devon's only mummy - a four year old boy in his sarcophagus with its hieroglyphic text and a reconstruction of the little boy entombed within.

The gallery is very hands on, with plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages interested and engaged during their visit. You can even become a newspaper reporter on a game developed by the BBC for the Museum - the "Curse of the Mummy’s Hand". There's also a crawl tunnel containing secret objects for children, an explorers game and the Fawcett trail, where the combination to the treasure chest must be found to claim a reward.

A visit to this new gallery allows visitors to be transported back to a time when the only way to
make new discoveries was to embark on a journey
of exploration and experience the world first hand.

Within the Explorer’s Gallery you will find the story of Torquay’s most famous explorer, Lt Col. Percy Harrison Fawcett. See his trunk with reconstructed contents, personal items connected with his early life in Torquay as well as his military medals and Royal Geographical Society’s Founders gold medal. You can also see documents and photographs from his expeditions. If you would like to find out more about Fawcett click here