Mummies

The Luxor Museum, located on the Nile’s east bank between Luxor Temple and Karnak, offers one of Egypt’s most refined presentations of ancient artefacts. Unlike the grand and crowded Egyptian Museum in القاهرة, this museum is distinguished by its elegance, intelligent lighting, and uncluttered displays. Its modern architecture, with clean lines and glass cases, creates an almost meditative atmosphere that allows visitors to appreciate each piece in quiet detail. The museum’s two floors are thoughtfully arranged to illustrate the artistic and political development of Thebes, the ancient city that once stood where الأقصر does today.

Among the highlights is the stunning collection of statues discovered in 1989 beneath Luxor Temple. These sculptures, some in near-perfect preservation, portray pharaohs such as Thutmose III, Amenhotep III, and Ramses II, each rendered in exquisite stone craftsmanship. Their scale and serenity capture the divine power that characterised Egyptian kingship. Nearby stands the statue of the god Amun in dark diorite, one of the museum’s most impressive pieces, where the precision of the carving reveals the mastery of New Kingdom artisans.

A particularly evocative section is dedicated to finds from the tomb of Tutankhamun, specifically items recovered from his tomb’s small cache on الأقصر’s west bank. These include weapons, jewellery, and funerary objects once intended to accompany the young king on his journey to the afterlife. Equally fascinating is the exhibit detailing the military exploits of the pharaohs, showing chariots, armour, and weapons used during campaigns along Egypt’s frontiers. It provides a powerful glimpse into how art and warfare were intertwined in the pharaonic worldview.

On the lower level, the museum houses two mummies believed to belong to Ahmose I and possibly Ramses I, set within a dimly lit room that evokes both reverence and reflection. Close by, fragments from temples and reliefs depicting rituals and daily life add context to Luxor’s ancient grandeur. The museum balances intimacy and scholarship, providing both beauty and depth without overwhelming the visitor. For anyone exploring the archaeological heart of Upper Egypt, it offers a serene yet profound encounter with the civilisation that shaped the Nile valley.

Luxor Museum
الأقصر
Egypt