Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Brings Animal Mummies to Vegas Strip
Bellagio unveils "Soulful Creatures" - the first major U.S. exhibition of Egyptian animal mummies. 36 real mummies plus artifacts open Feb 13.
Published · 3 min read
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art just announced its most unusual exhibition yet - nearly 100 ancient Egyptian artifacts including 36 actual animal mummies dating back to 760 B.C.E. "Soulful Creatures" opens February 13 and marks the first major U.S. exhibition dedicated entirely to animal mummification practices. With CT scans revealing surprising secrets and Nevada resident discounts available, this Brooklyn Museum partnership brings world-class culture right to the Strip through September.
Animal Mummies Come to the Strip
You know, after living here for years, I thought I'd seen everything Vegas had to offer. But Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art just announced something that made me do a double-take: an entire exhibition dedicated to animal mummies from ancient Egypt. “Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt” opens February 13 and runs through September 13, making it the first major U.S. exhibition focused entirely on this fascinating practice.
As someone who’s watched this town evolve from simple entertainment to world-class culture, I have to admit this caught my attention. We’re talking about nearly 100 artifacts, including 36 actual mummified animals dating back to 760 B.C.E.. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art partnered with the Brooklyn Museum to bring these pieces here, and honestly, it's pretty impressive that Vegas continues attracting these caliber exhibitions.
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Beyond Curiosities
What makes this exhibition genuinely interesting isn't just the “wow, look at the mummified cat” factor. These mummies tell four different stories: beloved pets, food offerings for the afterlife, divine embodiments of deities, and votive gifts to carry prayers to the gods. It's like getting a window into how deeply animals were woven into Egyptian spiritual life.
The scientific angle really caught my attention too. The Brooklyn Museum used X-rays and CT scans to peek inside these mummies, and some of the findings are surprising. Apparently, not all animal mummies are what they seem – some evidence suggests there might have been corruption in ancient animal cemeteries. MGM Resorts Director Art & Culture Demecina Gray noted how these mummies reveal the “timeless bond between humans and animals,” which resonates whether you're talking ancient Egypt or modern-day pet owners here in Vegas.
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Practical Details for Locals
Let’s talk logistics because, let’s be honest, we locals need to know if it's worth the drive to the Strip. Adult tickets are $29, but there are decent discounts: $27 for hotel guests, seniors, students, teachers, and military, and $25 for Nevada residents with valid ID. Kids five and under get in free, which is always appreciated by us parents and grandparents.
The gallery's open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. If you want the full experience, docent-led tours happen daily at 11 a.m. for an additional $10. The Brooklyn Museum's Egyptian collection is genuinely world-renowned, so having pieces here is pretty special.
Worth the Strip Traffic
Look, I’m not one to sugarcoat things – fighting Strip traffic and paying for parking isn’t my favorite weekend activity. But this exhibition represents something bigger about how Vegas has matured as a cultural destination. We’re not just about shows and casinos anymore; we’re hosting legitimate museum-quality exhibitions that you'd normally have to travel to New York or Washington D.C. to see.
The fact that this runs through September gives locals plenty of opportunities to visit during slower tourist periods. Plus, with Nevada resident discounts, they're clearly courting local interest, not just tourists. For more information, call (702) 693-7871 or check the official Bellagio Gallery page. Sometimes living in Vegas means appreciating that world-class culture comes right to our backyard – even if that backyard happens to be on the Strip.
