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Some 4,500 years ago, ancient Egyptians built the Great Pyramid of Giza—the greatest pyramid the world had ever seen. Sure, you can read about this incredible civilization in history books, but you can now walk through their pyramid without ever leaving New York City. A new virtual reality experience called Horizon of Khufu offers a chance to travel miles away and back in time.
On a chilly February afternoon, I got a chance to try the experience created by virtual reality entertainment company Eclipso. It was my first brush with virtual reality, and I wasn't sure to expect. As someone who gets seasick, I was especially nervous. But I ended up enjoying the journey, learning a lot, and even being charmed by the virtual characters I met along the way. Here's why Horizon of Khufu is worth checking out.
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Closing the door at 555 West 57th Street against the wind, I entered what looked like an office building and was asked to sign a waiver for the experience. That didn't help my nervousness, but I persevered for journalism's sake. Soon, I was outfitted with a VR headset and given some explanation of how to use it. I didn't realize that the headset would completely take over my entire field of view (be kind, I'm new to this world). I couldn't even see my own feet or my wristwatch! For safety, I could see other patrons, rendered as white orb-like figures, to make sure we didn't bump into each other.
After my initial disorientation, I realized there was nothing left for me to do but fully get into the experience. I could feel my Apple Watch buzzing with notifications, but I blissfully had to ignore it. Instead, I allowed myself to lean in and discover this world forbidden corridors, ancient hieroglyphs, and fascinating customs under the reign of Pharaoh Khufu.
I was greeted by a friendly virtual guide, an Egyptologist who taught me about this magnificent pyramid and led me inside its walls. An actual Egyptologist, Peter Der Manuelian, helped design the experience, so I knew I could expect to learn a thing or two. As we walked through the pyramid, a charming and sassy feline guide took over, which I found particularly endearing. Both virtual guides gave clear instructions explaining where to walk and how to follow them to each segment of the journey.
The experience was so realistic, I found myself stepping with trepidation over the rocky, uneven ground in my line of sight. Intellectually, I knew the floor was actually a flat expanse in a Manhattan building, but my brain couldn't help but be lured into believing we were climbing over craggy rocks. When it was time to climb into a low, narrow passageway, I found myself bowing my head to "fit through."
After wandering around the pyramid, I looked in awe at the intricate tombs of Pharaoh Khufu and the majestic Giza Necropolis. Eventually, I boarded a ship for a journey across the Nile, attended a mummification ceremony, and experienced the somber occasion of King Khufu's final rites. I'll spare some of the details to avoid spoilers.
Horizon of Khufu takes over a 10,000-square-foot interactive space. Given the headset, it was hard to tell exactly how much ground I covered during the exhibition, but I know I was in motion for much of the 45-minute expedition. During the journey, I had to readjust my headset a few times when the images became a bit blurry. Once, I lost the virtual guide and needed to get assistance from a real human to help me recalibrate and find my way. But overall, the VR worked seamlessly and was shockingly realistic. In a few scenes where we were floating or flying, I felt the slightest tinge of motion sickness, but the virtual guides gave tips for how to reduce that feeling.
As the experience came to an end, I was shocked by how quickly 45 minutes had passed. I could have stayed in that virtual world even longer, learning and exploring in a state of suspended reality.
If you want to check it out, tickets are on sale now, ranging from $34-$44/adult depending on the date of your visit. Children, students and military members get discounted admission.