Egypt Reopens Amenhotep III Tomb in Luxor After Two Decades of Restoration

The ancient tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, a monumental figure of Egypt's 18th Dynasty, has been officially reopened to visitors in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. The reopening on Saturday, October 4, 2025, marks the culmination of over two decades of meticulous restoration work, preparing the site for increased tourism ahead of the Grand Egyptian Museum's official inauguration.

Extensive Restoration Efforts

The comprehensive restoration project, which began in 2004 and involved a Japanese-led team, was supported by UNESCO and the Japanese government. The work was conducted in three distinct phases: 2001-2004, 2010-2012, and 2023-2024, involving an international team of Egyptian, Italian, and Japanese experts. More than 260 specialists contributed to the project, ensuring the highest international standards for integrated conservation.

Key aspects of the restoration included:

• Rehabilitating damaged walls and sealing cracks in columns.
• Cleaning ceiling stars and preserving the vibrant, 3,000-year-old mural paintings.
• Reassembling over 200 fragments of the red-granite sarcophagus lid, now displayed on a metal base.
• Installing new wooden stairs, walkways, and a modern lighting system designed to protect and highlight the ancient artwork.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the tomb as 'one of the most important and prominent' in the Valley of the Kings, noting that the delicate work was crucial as the structure was near collapse from weathering, bat colonies, and salt deposits.

The Legacy of Amenhotep III

Amenhotep III, also known as Amenhotep the Great, ruled ancient Egypt from approximately 1390 BCE to 1350 BCE (or 1387 BCE to 1349 BCE). His nearly 40-year reign is widely regarded as a golden age of peace, prosperity, and artistic grandeur for the 18th Dynasty. He was a prolific builder, responsible for significant sections of Luxor Temple, additions to Karnak, and his mortuary temple, famously marked by the colossal Colossi of Memnon.

The tomb, catalogued as WV 22, was first documented by French engineers in 1799 during Napoleon's campaign, though it had been looted prior to its discovery. It features a 36-meter (118-foot) long, 14-meter (45-foot) deep, downward-sloping passageway leading to a main burial chamber for the king and two side rooms carved for his wives, Queens Tiye and Sitamun. The burial chamber contains intricate scenes from the Book of the Dead and passages from the Imi-Duat, intended to guide the king through the underworld. UNESCO has noted that the tomb's paintings rank among the best preserved of the Eighteenth Dynasty.

Boosting Egypt's Cultural Tourism

The reopening of Amenhotep III's tomb is a strategic move by Egypt to revitalize its tourism sector, a crucial source of foreign currency. This event serves as a significant precursor to the much-anticipated official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza Pyramids, scheduled for November 1, 2025. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa stated that 'The opening of King Amenhotep III's tomb will be a global event that reflects Egypt's effort to preserve and promote its heritage.'