Most of us probably have a set image in our head of the exotic icon Cleopatra, thanks to Hollywood and the lovely Elizabeth Taylor. Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt opened last week at the Milwaukee Public Museum and radically broke those notions. After seeing the exhibit, it’s evident why, after more than 2,000 years, people are still so interested in her story. 

“Her intellect and charisma was far more intriguing than her beauty,” says museum President Jay Williams.  A voracious scholar, Cleopatra spoke at least seven languages, commanded a navy, was an expert in science and used her power of seduction to make strategic alliances with nearby Rome. Egyptians needed Roman military protection and Rome needed Egyptian grain. “Egypt was a very progressive country and the major enterprises were led by women,” says Williams. “It was really the hub of the world at the time.”

In case you really are only familiar with the Elizabeth Taylor version, Cleopatra Vll was indeed the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty and final pharaoh of Egypt. At 17-years old, she became queen and quickly became the most powerful and wealthy woman in the world. The Romans disapproved of her extravagance and opulence, though to Egyptians, it was seen as expression of gratitude for God’s wealth bestowed.

The exhibit. Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt. features nearly 150 artifacts such as serving tools, a calendar, sphinx sculptures, coins, jewelry and lots and lots of granite, alabaster, gold, copper and silver – weighing in at about 30 tons in total. Before entering the exhibit, you have the chance to watch a brief film, which I highly recommend. And grab the audio guide too – Cleo herself narrates. 

Entering the exhibit, you cross over a transparent bridge with water and sand beneath your feet that serves as a reminder where these treasures you are about to see came from. About midway through the exhibit, you will also have the chance to see actual tools used in underwater excavation. 

Then you run in two 16-foot granite statues depicting a Ptolemaic king and queen from the 4th – 3rd centuries B.C.  Many of the exhibit's artifacts were uncovered in the 1990s by French underwater explorer Franck Goddio. While searching for a shipwreck, he found the two ancient cities of Canopus and Heracleion, which had been lost beneath the sea after a series of earthquakes and tidal waves destroyed them.

It was really a major coup for Milwaukee to receive this exhibit. Due in part to the expansive space and also the highly trained exhibit team, Milwaukee Public Museum was also able to prove it can draw a crowd and make a big economic impact on the city. “We had visitors from all 50 states for the most recent mummies exhibit,” says Williams.

Cleopatra took her own life in 30 B.C. after succumbing to Octavian’s Roman forces, which gave way to Roman rule of Egypt and the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Some believe Cleopatra was buried with Mark Antony, who also took his life following the battle, though the search continues for her tomb.

The final component of the exhibit looks at Cleopatra's afterlife through her depiction in art, literature and film. Her enemy, the Roman leader Octavian (better known by the name he later adopted, Caesar Augustus), ordered all images of her effaced and set out to ruin her reputation. As a result, we don't have a clear picture of Cleopatra's face, but actors like Elizabeth Taylor and Vivien Leigh brought her to life in the 20th century. 

This is the third stop on the exhibition’s world tour. It will continue to Philadelphia and then overseas. The exhibition is organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM). Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt runs through April 29, 2012. To purchase tickets, call 414-223-4676 or click here.

There will also be a special event on Thursday, November 3, in conjunction with the exhibit. Barbara Rinella, nationally known academic entertainer and book dramatist, will bring Cleopatra to life on stage. Her performance will be based on the best-selling book Cleopatra: A Life, the new biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff. This event runs 5:30-9:30 p.m. and is $125 per person. To purchase tickets, call 414-278-2728 or order online.

One More Not To Miss
MAM After Dark: RunUp to the Runway – Friday, Oct. 21, 5 p.m.–12 a.m.

Celebrate the best of what Milwaukee has to offer in fashion and design with innovative designs from Mount Mary College fashion students and a full runway show with Milwaukee’s emerging and established designers. The runway show begins at 9 p.m. with Ra’Mon Lawrence (of “Project Runway” season 6), Mink by Amanda Ergen, Delanie Couture, and Linda Marcus Designs, Judi Rath, Terry Crumble, and Tina Poppy for Violetville Vintage.

Be sure to check out much anticipated Impressionism: Masterworks on Paper exhibition while you are there. Tickets for RunUp vary from $60-$15, depending if you are a MAM member and if want front row seats, reserved seats or standing room only. Click here to buy tickets.