Calgary is about to experience a groundbreaking journey into ancient Egypt with the arrival of Horizon of Khufu, an immersive virtual reality (VR) expedition. Opening at CF Chinook Centre on December 12 for a limited one-month engagement, this awe-inspiring attraction is brought to life by Paris-based Excurio and distributed by Montreal’s PHI Studio.
“This new VR experience will take you on a journey to explore ancient Egypt and the pyramid of Khufu,” said PHI Studio in a news release. “In a space of nearly 10,000 square feet, visitors will be transported to Cairo and freely wander through Ancient Egypt.”
Having already captivated close to 500,000 visitors in cities like Paris, London, Montreal, Shanghai, and New York, the Calgary debut promises to be a must-see cultural experience that combines history, technology, and breathtaking visuals.
“Events like Horizon of Khufu are very impactful to CF Chinook Centre. Both because they offer our shoppers a new and distinctive entertainment experience and because it gives shoppers another reason to choose CF Chinook Centre. Building vibrant and engaging experiences for our shoppers is at the heart of our business, and we’re incredibly proud to bring our guests together to enjoy this truly unique event,” said Darren Milne, General Manager at Chinook Centre.
A VR Journey Through Time
Horizon of Khufu offers a 45-minute adventure where participants don VR headsets to explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a structure that has fascinated humanity for over 4,500 years. Visitors will roam freely through reconstructed galleries and spaces, many of which remain off-limits to the public in real life.
“The experience culminates in a climb to the pyramid’s peak, where a stunning view of modern Cairo and the Giza Plateau unfolds,” the release stated. “Participants will also embark on a solar barque along the Nile to witness the funerary rites of King Khufu, brought to life through the latest archaeological discoveries.”
Developed with guidance from Harvard Egyptologist Peter Der Manuelian and his team at the Giza Project, the experience ensures historical and architectural accuracy.
Natasha Gural of Forbes praised Excurio’s artistry, noting, “Not all VR experiences are worth the money, but Excurio has elevated it to an art form by evoking myriad emotions, the most genuine path to fostering empathy and amplifying the shared human experience.”
Bridging History and Technology
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, was built between 2590 and 2565 BC. Standing at 146 metres, the pyramid represents a marvel of ancient architectural ingenuity.
Using state-of-the-art VR technology, Horizon of Khufu provides an unparalleled opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in this historical wonder. The production reflects three years of meticulous research and development, combining education and entertainment to captivate audiences of all ages.
Cultural Entertainment at Its Finest
The event’s Calgary debut marks an exciting chapter for PHI Studio, which is known for its innovative approach to immersive experiences. “PHI Studio has established a reputation as an incubator for cutting-edge talent and a catalyst for immersive, multidisciplinary projects,” said Phoebe Greenberg, Founder of PHI.
Horizon of Khufu is the first location-based entertainment experience distributed by PHI Studio, a testament to its growing role in the intersection of art, technology, and cultural storytelling.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets for Horizon of Khufu are now available online.
For additional information about Horizon of Khufu in Calgary including ticket sales for the public, visit https://horizonkheopsexperience.com/calgary/.
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