The replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Luxor is one of the best ways to discover the breathtaking burial place of this young pharaoh. The fascination it has generated since its discovery in 1922 is palpable in the numerous exhibitions that are organized around the world and that try to recreate this space. It is true that its original location is elsewhere (in the Valley of the Kings, tomb KV62) and that the objects found there are exhibited in the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. But this facsimile version of the tomb is well worth a visit, due to its level of realism. Here we tell you more details about it.
Why a replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Luxor?
The reason why a replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb was made is obvious: the preservation of the original. This was decided in 2009, when the Egyptian authorities (Ministry of Antiquities) became convinced of the deterioration that the KV62 tomb space was suffering.
Let us remember that this tomb had remained sealed, that is, intact and without exposure to light for three millennia. Visits from the current public cause inevitable and irreparable damage, even if protective measures are taken, such as limiting capacity. In 2011, for example, the capacity was limited to 1,000 people per day, and this also meant that many travelers were left with the desire and regret of not being able to access it.
The simple act of opening the exterior door already implies the entry of dust, and the visitors’ own breathing generates air circulation and a fluctuation of humidity that affects, for example, the mural paintings, with the risk of detachment.
Therefore, a solution already existing in other highly sensitive interior spaces, located in other parts of the world, was chosen: the creation of a replica, which, although not the original place, does allow a more satisfactory tourist experience, with more adequate lighting and a more relaxed pedestrian route, without the risk of deterioration due to environmental conditions or the carelessness of a visitor.
Who carried it out
Therefore, the Spanish and specialized company Factum Arte, based in Madrid, carried out a meticulous digital documentation of each detail to later build the aforementioned replica and install it in the subsoil, faithfully recreating the atmosphere that Tutankhamun chose to rest eternally and begin his journey to the afterlife. Their experience and expertise had been demonstrated some time ago thanks, for example, to the replica of the tomb of Thutmose III.
In addition, by then there was already a certain tradition and approval regarding the replicas of tombs in Egypt, installed in different strategic points for tourism and culture of the country. Thus, this facsimile projected by the architect Tarek Waly and elaborated by Factum Arte was completed in 2014, being inaugurated in style and with the recognition of the main experts in the field, among them the Egyptologist Zahi Zawass.
Where is this replica
The place is also very symbolic: although it is not exactly in the Valley of the Kings, it is very close: on the West Bank of the Nile, in Luxor, a few meters from the Howard Carter House Museum, the archaeologist who starred in its discovery and built a house here as a work center to document his findings.
Therefore, to enter the replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Luxor you must go to the house museum and purchase the ticket. You can learn more about its location, hours and prices in this other post on our blog, dedicated to the home and workshop of Howard Carter.
