There is a moment, roughly five minutes into strapping on the virtual reality headset at GROUNDSEESAW Singapore, where the modern world completely dissolves. One second you are standing inside Parkview Square along North Bridge Road; the next, golden desert sands stretch out to infinity beneath an azure sky, and the staggering sheer scale of the Great Pyramid of Giza looms right before your eyes.

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the experience, and to put it simply: I had a wonderful time. It did not feel like watching a documentary or peering through a screen—it felt as though I had genuinely set foot in ancient Egypt 4,500 years ago.

Titled Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt, this 45-minute immersive expedition has already captivated more than 250,000 visitors worldwide since its initial debut in Paris in 2022. Produced by virtual reality pioneer Emissive under its Excurio brand—and presented locally by Seoul-founded exhibition brand GROUNDSEESAW alongside partner UNQP—the show lands in Singapore from 2 October 2026.

What sets this apart from typical VR setups is the brilliant blend of historical rigour and free-roaming freedom. Developed in close collaboration with Professor Peter Der Manuelian and his team from the Giza Project at Harvard University, every architectural detail and ceremony rests on verified scientific findings. You are not merely wandering through fantasy; you are exploring accurate reconstructions of spaces that have been sealed off from the public for millennia.

During the expedition, you glide across the Giza plateau, venture deep into the corridors and the Queen’s chamber during a sacred embalming ritual, and take an effortless ascent straight to the pyramid’s 146-metre summit for a jaw-dropping 360-degree view. The emotional highlight for me was boarding a funeral barge along the tranquil waters of the Nile to witness the rites of Pharaoh Khufu himself. The atmosphere is so richly detailed that your senses quickly forget you are indoors.

Crucially, the technology neatly solves the biggest bugbear of virtual reality: the sense of isolation. The free-roam space allows you to physically walk around whilst seeing digital avatars of the people sharing the floor with you. Because you can interact, point out sights, and explore together in real time, it never feels solitary.

It struck me how remarkably versatile this outing is. Whether you are looking for an inspiring weekend escape for the family, a fresh and memorable date idea for couples, or a shared afternoon adventure with friends, it hits the sweet spot between cultural discovery and pure entertainment. Both history enthusiasts and casual day-trippers will find plenty to marvel at.

Visitor Information:

  • Venue: GROUNDSEESAW Singapore, Level 3, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778 (nearest MRT is Bugis)
  • Opening Date: From 2 October 2026
  • Standard Admission:  $35 for adults,$29 for children
  • Ticketing: Available via GROUNDSEESAW Singapore, Fever, Klook, and Sistic