Travel Back to Ancient Egypt with Horizon of Khufu Coming to Blume Studios
Mar 3, 2026 / Press Releases
CHARLOTTE, NC – This spring, Charlotte will have the rare opportunity to step inside one of the most iconic structures in human history. Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt, the internationally acclaimed immersive expedition that has captivated more than 2.5 million+ visitors worldwide, arrives at Blume Studios on April 17. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. at blumenthalarts.org for a limited run through August 30.
Horizon of Khufu arrives on the heels of other globally acclaimed immersive productions at Blume Studios, including The Infinite and Monopoly Lifesized, reinforcing Charlotte as a destination for experiential and exploratory immersive art.
Created and produced by Excurio, a global leader in virtual reality storytelling and education, the large-scale immersive experience transports visitors from present-day Egypt back to 2,500 BC, offering a never-before-seen exploration of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
Through Excurio’s cutting-edge virtual reality technology, Horizon of Khufu places guests directly within the Giza Plateau. Using VR headsets, guests can move freely alongside friends or family as they experience a detailed journey through ancient Egypt.
During the 42-minute expedition, participants are guided by virtual tour guide Mona, a young Egyptologist, as they explore areas of the pyramid that have long been inaccessible to the public, from the hidden corridors and the Queen’s chamber, to a flight to the summit for sweeping views of the surrounding necropolis.
On the journey, guests will also travel along the Nile River, observe ancient embalming rituals, and attend the funeral of King Khufu himself, immersing visitors in Egypt’s ancient culture, architecture, beliefs, and way of life.
“Horizon of Khufu represents the kind of innovative storytelling that truly connects with different parts of the world and history,” said Tom Gabbard, President and CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “Blume Studios was built to bring this kind of experience to Charlotte, where people aren’t seated and watching, but moving through an environment as it unfolds around them.”
"Bringing our Immersive Expeditions—starting with Horizon of Khufu—to the South and Charlotte with Blumenthal Arts and Blume Studios is a milestone for Excurio in the U.S,” said Jules Rimbaud, U.S. Manager at Excurio. “We are proud to partner with an institution that shares our commitment to expanding access to arts and culture through immersive, high-quality, and innovative experiences."
First produced in 2022, Horizon of Khufu is a result of years of research and development by Excurio and a team of more than a dozen virtual reality and 3D specialists. The expedition was created in close collaboration with Harvard University Egyptologist Peter Der Manuelian and The Giza Project, ensuring every environment, structure, and ritual depicted is grounded in verified architectural, scientific, and historical data. Recent discoveries about the pyramids are woven through the journey, reinforcing Excurio’s commitment to historical accuracy alongside technological innovation.
"Launching Horizon of Khufu after several months of work with Professor Der Manuelian is an honour for us and is more than just symbolic: it confirms the scientific rigour we aim to bring to our content, offering a new generation of family and friends outings that blend entertainment and culture,” said Fabien Barati and Emmanuel Guerriero, founders of Excurio.
For more information about the expedition, visit excurio.com/en/horizon-of-khufu. For more information about Blume Studios and where to get tickets, visit blumenthalarts.org/visit/blume-studios.
MORE ABOUT BLUME STUDIOS
Blume Studios is where art, technology, and community converge. This creative hub from Blumenthal Arts hosts everything from major immersive experiences from around the world to locally created multimedia events and shows. The studio environment provides the expansive, flexible spaces needed to support current and new forms of entertainment that haven’t yet been dreamed of. Located in Charlotte’s Iron District, Blume Studios continues the legacy of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, which for more than a century was home to talented and hardworking craftsmen on this site. A new generation of creative workers will make Blume Studios a nationally acclaimed destination where every show is unique and every visit is special. For more information, visit blumenthalarts.org.
MORE ABOUT EXCURIO
Excurio redefines cultural discovery through Immersive Expeditions — groundbreaking, large-scale virtual reality experiences that merge cutting-edge technology, storytelling, and education. Designed for free-roaming exploration in expansive venues, these adventures invite audiences to step directly into history, art, and science, combining emotional engagement with thrilling intrigue. From Horizon of Khufu, Eternal Notre-Dame, Life Chronicles, Tonight with the Impressionists: Paris 1874, The Last Stronghold and The Secret of the Pyramid Builders Excurio’s productions have captivated more than four million visitors across eleven countries and 35 venues worldwide — from Paris and Montreal, to Shanghai and Chicago — in leading cultural institutions and immersive spaces. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned scientists and historians, Excurio’s experiences bring the past and future vividly to life, fostering a deeper connection to our shared heritage. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to make culture accessible through wonder. Built on a proprietary technological platform capable of managing record visitor flows, Excurio is setting a new standard in cultural entertainment. Excurio was founded in 2005 by Emmanuel Guerriero and Fabien Barati.