For somebody who died before he was 20, Tutankhamun made an awfully big splash. Although what he achieved in that short lifetime has less to do with his longevity than how his body was preserved and buried. Discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, Tutankhamun’s tomb turned the eyes of the world to Egypt, and our fascination with the ‘boy king’ has remained strong.

That said, those entering this immersive wonderland will have varying amounts of knowledge. Aware that ticket-buyers will range from ‘Tutan-who?’ types to Egyptology obsessives, the curators have worked hard to give this exhibition a ‘something for everyone’ feel. Filled with information panels, the first few rooms may be lost on children, and a little word-heavy for some. But glean what you can and move on, because it’s all part of a layering effect. 

First come the names, dates and mythical gods of Ancient Egypt, but reasonably quickly we’re on to the artefacts. Many of them are replicas, but regardless of authenticity there is much to learn here, including a model deconstructing the infamous tomb. And when it comes to the real items, it’s hard to get your head around seeing a mummified falcon that was wrapped up as an offering or a musical instrument that was played in 332 BC.

All of which is the perfect grounding for what comes next, as past and present collide in kaleidoscopic colour. So many historical artefacts have a sandy exterior, it’s hard to imagine what people living thousands of years ago actually saw. But stepping inside a vast room displaying a 360°, eight-metre high, 30-minute film filled with vibrant shades, you get the idea. Sitting on a comfy stool, animated images of pharaohs, buildings and animals flash towards and past you, towering overhead and scuttling beneath your feet. Newspaper clippings from Carter’s 1922 expedition ground fantastical myths in reality, and if the experience ended there, you’d leave with a smile. But it’s far from over.

Three more sections await, consolidating your knowledge of Ancient Egyptian life and beliefs in increasingly fun ways. After a briefing from staff (all of whom are friendly and approachable) we sit in a swivel chair and pull on VR goggles and headphones. If you spend half your life gaming with a virtual-reality headset, this may feel par for the course. But for anyone new to the experience, this is mind-blowing as you fly over rivers alongside a bird in motion, and swoop down into valleys to encounter giant statues. Looking up, down and around as you spin in your chair, it really does seem as if you’ve entered a different world. 

Then we’re off to another room to learn about mummification via impressive holograms, before pulling on a VR headset once again to delve inside Carter’s tent. Hilarious, unsettling and fascinating in equal measure, this final room has you avoiding fellow visitors (who are now avatars of Carter) and discovering ancient objects, tools and more in what once looked like an empty room. A quick stop in a (free) photo booth where you’re turned into a pharaoh seals the deal on this fun, educational and brilliantly put together exhibition.

Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, SEC, Glasgow, until Sunday 26 October.