Egypt reopens Amenhotep III’s tomb in Luxor after 20-year restoration: Video
Egypt has officially reopened the tomb of King Amenhotep III in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings after more than two decades of restoration.
At an inauguration ceremony, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, said the reopening was a major boost for the country’s cultural tourism.
The extensive conservation effort involved the biological treatment of the tomb’s walls, the restoration of its vivid ancient paintings and carvings, and the structural reinforcement of its pillars.
“The restoration project spanned more than two decades of meticulous conservation work, including photogrammetry and detailed documentation,” said Mohamed Ismail, head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. “Thankfully, the final phase was completed last year, allowing the tomb to reopen to visitors. This milestone enhances Egypt’s cultural tourism landscape, adding a new highlight to the Valley of the Kings,” he added.
“Notably, a colony of bats had taken up residence in the tomb, and the restoration team worked tirelessly to remove all traces of their presence,” Ismail told Viory.
Originally discovered in 1799, the tomb contains a grand burial chamber for Amenhotep III, flanked by two adjoining chambers believed to have been built for his wives. Each chamber is adorned with intricate stone columns, hieroglyphs, and motifs celebrating the pharaoh’s reign. The restoration, supported by Japan, Italian experts, and UNESCO, began in 2004 and was completed in 2024.
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