Tutankhamun’s Treasures: Where to See Them

The main collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures—including his golden death mask, coffins, and jewelry—is on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, near Cairo, Egypt. A smaller but significant group of items from his tomb, such as the golden throne and canopic shrine, is housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. If you are seeking ancient Egyptian artifacts beyond Tutankhamun, world-class collections are also found in London, Paris, Berlin, New York, and Turin.

Background: The Discovery and the Collection

Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings in November 1922. It was the first royal tomb found nearly intact, containing over 5,000 artifacts. The collection includes gilded shrines, chariots, weapons, furniture, clothing, food, and the iconic solid-gold death mask. For decades, the entire collection was displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, but in 2018, items began moving to the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) – The Primary Destination

The Grand Egyptian Museum, located on the Giza Plateau about 2 kilometers from the pyramids, is now the main home for Tutankhamun’s treasures. It opened its main halls to the public in 2024, and the Tutankhamun galleries are fully open. Visitors can see the death mask, the inner and middle gold coffins, the golden throne, and hundreds of other objects in a dedicated, climate-controlled wing. The museum also houses over 100,000 other artifacts from ancient Egypt, including the royal mummies (in a separate hall) and the Khufu solar boat.

Egyptian Museum in Tahrir – The Historic Home

Before the GEM opened, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square was the sole home of Tutankhamun’s treasures. It still holds a substantial portion of the collection, including the golden throne, the canopic shrine, and many pieces of jewelry and ritual objects. The museum is open to visitors and remains a major attraction for those who want to see the artifacts in a historic setting. However, many of the most famous pieces, like the death mask, have been moved to the GEM.

Other Egyptian Museums in Egypt

Beyond Cairo, several museums in Egypt hold ancient artifacts, though not Tutankhamun’s tomb goods. The Luxor Museum has a small but exquisite collection, including two royal mummies and a statue of Tutankhamun. The Nubian Museum in Aswan and the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Cairo offer broader views of Egyptian history. The NMEC is notable for its Royal Mummies Hall, which displays many pharaohs, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut.

Major International Collections

If you cannot travel to Egypt, several world museums have significant Egyptian collections. The British Museum in London holds the Rosetta Stone, the bust of Ramses II, and a large collection of mummies and artifacts. The Louvre in Paris has the Seated Scribe and a vast Egyptian department. The Neues Museum in Berlin houses the famous bust of Nefertiti. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has an extensive Egyptian wing, including the Temple of Dendur. The Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, is one of the oldest and largest Egyptian museums outside Egypt, with a focus on daily life and royal artifacts.

How to Choose Where to Go

Your choice depends on your interests and travel plans:

• If you want to see Tutankhamun’s treasures specifically: Go to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. It has the largest and most complete collection.
• If you are in Cairo and want a quick look: The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is still worth a visit for its historic atmosphere and remaining artifacts.
• If you are traveling outside Egypt: The British Museum, Louvre, and Neues Museum have the most famous individual pieces, but none have a full tomb group.
• If you prefer a quieter, more curated experience: The Luxor Museum and the Museo Egizio in Turin offer excellent displays with less crowding.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that all of Tutankhamun’s treasures are in one place. In reality, the collection was divided: the GEM holds the majority, but the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir retains some items, and a few pieces are in other museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (which has a small statue of Tutankhamun from the tomb). Another question is whether the death mask is on display; yes, it is at the GEM, but it is not always on public view due to conservation needs—check the museum’s official schedule before planning your visit.

Costs and Practical Tips

Ticket prices vary and are subject to change. As of 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum charges around 1000 Egyptian pounds (approx. $20 USD) for foreign adults, with discounts for students. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is cheaper, around 200 EGP. Always check the official museum websites for current prices and opening hours. Photography is often restricted in certain galleries, especially where flash could damage artifacts. Book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons (October to April).

Safety and Preservation

Ancient artifacts are fragile. Museums maintain strict climate control and lighting to protect them. As a visitor, you can help by not touching displays, not using flash photography, and following posted rules. The Grand Egyptian Museum uses advanced conservation labs and a team of experts to preserve the treasures. If you are handling replicas or traveling with artifacts, always follow customs regulations—many countries restrict the export of cultural property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tutankhamun’s death mask on display?

Yes, the golden death mask is on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. It is one of the most famous artifacts in the world and is housed in a dedicated gallery with controlled lighting and temperature.

Can I see Tutankhamun’s mummy?

Yes, Tutankhamun’s mummy remains in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. It is the only royal mummy still in its original burial place. Visitors can enter the tomb (an additional ticket is required) and see the mummy in a climate-controlled glass case.

Are there any Tutankhamun artifacts in the US?

Yes, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a few small items from the tomb, including a bronze trumpet and a statue of Tutankhamun. However, the vast majority of the collection is in Egypt.

What is the best time to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?

The best time is early morning when it opens, around 9 AM, to avoid crowds. The museum is open daily, but it is closed on some holidays, so check the official calendar. The cooler months from October to April are more comfortable for walking.

Can I take photos inside the museums?

Photography is generally allowed in most galleries, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited. Some special exhibitions may have additional restrictions. Always check with museum staff before taking photos.

Related

• DNS Record Types: A Complete Reference
• GDPR vs CCPA Consent: Key Differences for Identity Teams
• Does Faster Internet Speed Up AI Responses? Latency