Denver has a unique way to travel to a far-off destination – and back in time – with Horizon of Khufu: Journey to Ancient Egypt, a VR experience. Get a glimpse into what it’s like plus ways to make the most of the experience…in reality.
My fascination with ancient Egypt started as a child when I watched the Hollywood blockbuster “Ten Commandments.” The film’s depiction, admittedly sanitized and glamourized, of life in a long-lost civilization dazzled me and inspired me to learn more. As a teenager, I was fortunate to join a school trip to Egypt to learn about the art and history of the ancient culture. That incredible journey brought me face to face with the pyramids, temples, art, desert and Nile landscape, and the people of Egypt. It was life changing.
That childhood fascination was rekindled by the Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt, a 45-minute guided immersive VR (virtual reality) experience. Located in the York Street Yards, a complex of historic rejuvenated warehouses used during WWII, Khufu is presented in a large space designated an “Immersive Art Hub.” The story telling includes some artistic license and flourishments, but it is noteworthy that the content of this experience was developed in partnership with an Egyptologist from Harvard University to be historically accurate.
The VR experience starts with completing a digital waiver and watching a short informational video; be sure to read the interpretive signs to learn more about ancient Egypt. Next comes a quick consultation with a staff person about the setting options for “intensity” of the experience, then a personalized headset fitting and consultation with a guide. During my experience, I chose the highest intensity and enjoyed that. My companion, who is prone to motion sickness, chose the lowest setting and requested walking sticks to maintain stability; happily, she did not have any problems and enjoyed the entire experience.
My headset was very comfortable at the start but became increasingly uncomfortable during the experience. I adjusted the dial on the back (like a bike helmet) to loosen and that helped. I also experienced some eye strain toward the end and closed my eyes to rest them. I fault my eyeglasses (the gentleman who helped us remove our headsets at the end told us there are special headsets we could have received for wearing over glasses – wish we’d known that at the start).
With VR headset on, it’s time to line up and await the cue to start. Visitors are spaced out to ensure the space does not become congested; during the experience, other guests appear as ghostly avatars, so you don’t run into each other. Guides (staff members) are present in the space at all times to keep an eye on everyone in case of a visitor needing help. At every stage, the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.
I don’t want to ruin the surprise with details of the actual story that is told. Instead, let me just say that…
Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt immerses participants 360 degrees in Egypt past and present, inside and outside, above and below. Visitors will learn about the ancient Egyptians and experience one of their culture’s most sacred moments. I hope that you, like me, will be awed, dazzled, and crave more when the journey ends!
The VR experience is so powerfully realistic, it is hard to believe it’s all happening in a Denver warehouse, a wide open space with a perfectly flat floor. In fact, the video and the guides make a point of reminding everyone that the floor is perfectly flat. I struggled to convince my brain that I wasn’t going to trip or fall. Several times, I reached out to touch stone walls to feel the texture, ducked to avoid hitting my head, and hesitated to approach (virtual) sheer drops for fear of falling. My companion said she periodically had to tap her walking sticks on the ground just to convince herself she really was about to step on a solid, flat floor. This was her first time ever in a VR experience and she was thrilled by the wonder of it all. She commented that, for the first half or so, she was so taken by what she was seeing and experiencing that she didn’t really listen to the virtual guide – which just made her want to return and do the whole experience all over again.
This VR is sophisticated and convincing – almost frighteningly so. Still, going with the flow of the experience versus being so focused on what is and isn’t “real” and trying to understand how things are done, will increase enjoyment.
Regardless of one’s “how,” “when” or “why,” of interest in ancient Egypt, Horizon of Khufu is a must experience! And if you are just curious about a VR experience, or a quick mental vacation to another place and era, this adventure delivers a beautiful blend of history, art, and fun.
To learn more about Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt and to purchase tickets (which are timed), visit their website, here. The prices range from $27 and $33 depending on the day of the week and time chosen. The event is likely to be around for more than a year but don’t wait – you’re going to want to go more than once and take others with you.
Tips for Experiencing Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt
- Review the Fever Khufu FAQs for numerous helpful details.
- Everyone reacts differently to the VR experience. Some are perfectly comfortable and others may experience disorientation. Avoid intoxicants (alcohol, drugs), or eating a big meal before going!
- If you are prone to dizziness, use their walking sticks or other stability devices to keep you grounded.
- If you wear eyeglasses, bi-focal lenses, especially, may be problematic. Try going without or, if you really need glasses for clear vision, request a special headset adjustment to be more comfortable. We were told by a staffer at the end that there are special headsets for people wearing eyeglasses – something we weren’t told when fitted with them – so be sure to ask about it at the start.
- Use the restroom before entering the experience. It is 45 minutes long.
- Turn off or put your phone on airplane mode to avoid any distractions. Or, use one of the provided lockers in the lobby – there’s nothing to take a picture of while in there so free yourself.
- Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be standing and walking the whole time.
- Wheelchairs are available as well as other mobility assistive devices.
- Well-behaved children are welcome; the experience is not conducive to restless kiddos (or adults!) who want to run around or plop themselves down for a rest.
Going Beyond the Horizon of Khufu Experience
Nearby places in York Street Yards to grab a bite or sip:
Elemental Bakery: delicious, creative baked goods, sandwiches, breads to go, and coffee drinks (hours limited!).
Cohesion Brewing: great Czech style beers in a sleek space; check their website for a rotating schedule of food vendors.
Skiptown: a very dog-friendly place to drink and to let your pooch run free in the outside yard.
Another noteworthy spot nearby for a sip:
Ephemeral Rotating Taproom: not far from York St Yards, this cozy taphouse offers a rotating beer menu.
If Khufu inspires you to eat (kind of) like an Egyptian, here are some of our favorite Denver spots to enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods:
Safta in The Source (not far from York St at The Source) serves up delicious Israeli mediterranean dishes in a chic space.
Boychik in the Stanley Marketplace (about 15-minute drive) is stylish with a mediterranean menu and the best hummus we have ever had, anywhere.
Jerusalem Restaurant – in the DU area (about 30 minutes), this cramped, no frills, hut like place serves delicious homemade foods at reasonable prices; the combo platters offer a feast, but don’t forget dessert (or order to go) from a case filled with an array of sweet, flaky goodies.
-By Jimmy McDonough
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