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4d ago

Egypt Reopens Amenhotep III’s Valley of the Kings Tomb After Two-Decade Restoration

UNESCO-backed Japanese conservation signals a tourism push before the Grand Egyptian Museum’s November opening.

A visitor looks at the tomb of Amenhotep III, who ruled ancient Egypt between 1390 B.C. and 1350 B.C., in the Valley of Kings in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as it opened to visitors for the first time in more than two decades. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
Marzena A. Ozarek, President of mummy research center, films the sarcophagus of King Amenhotep III, who ruled ancient Egypt between 1390 B.C. and 1350 B.C., at his tomb in the Valley of Kings in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as it opened to visitors for the first time in more than two decades. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
Restored artifacts seen at the tomb of Amenhotep III, who ruled ancient Egypt between 1390 B.C. and 1350 B.C., in the Valley of Kings in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as it opened to visitors for the first time in more than two decades. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
Visitors view the tomb of Amenhotep III, who ruled ancient Egypt between 1390 B.C. and 1350 B.C., in the Valley of Kings in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as it opened to visitors for the first time in more than two decades. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Overview

  • Officials opened the 18th Dynasty site on October 4 in Luxor, concluding a three-phased project led by Japanese experts over more than 20 years.
  • Reporters viewed the intact granite sarcophagus lid inscribed with hieroglyphs, which remained in place while most movable contents were looted long ago.
  • More than 260 specialists worked to stabilize and restore wall paintings and structure, a standard praised by UNESCO regional director Nuria Sanz.
  • The tomb features a 36-meter downward passage and a main chamber for the king alongside rooms for Queens Tiye and Sitamun.
  • Authorities highlighted the reopening as part of efforts to lure foreign visitors, with the Grand Egyptian Museum scheduled to inaugurate on November 1.