After more than two decades of painstaking restoration, the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III has reopened to the public in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, marking a significant milestone in both archaeology and the country’s ongoing efforts to restore its status as a global tourism destination. The reopening ceremony, held on October 4, 2025, drew dignitaries, archaeologists, and eager visitors, all gathered to witness the unveiling of one of ancient Egypt’s most storied burial sites.
Located on the western side of the Valley of the Kings, the tomb—officially designated WV22—was originally discovered in 1799 by two explorers. Over the centuries, the site endured extensive looting, including the theft of the pharaoh’s sarcophagus and other treasures. According to Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, the sarcophagus and its lid were broken into more than 200 pieces during the tomb’s long, turbulent history. Despite these losses, the tomb remains a remarkable testament to the grandeur of Egypt’s 18th dynasty.
Amenhotep III, often referred to as Amenhotep the Great, ruled Egypt between 1390 BCE and 1350 BCE. He ascended the throne as a teenager and reigned for up to 38 years. His era is widely regarded as a golden age of prosperity, diplomacy, and artistic innovation. The king’s reign paved the way for his son Akhenaten’s religious revolution and his grandson Tutankhamun’s legendary legacy. As noted by the Grand Pinnacle Tribune, the reopening of Amenhotep III’s tomb comes at a moment when Egypt is keen to highlight its rich pharaonic heritage, particularly as it prepares for the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids on November 1, 2025.
The restoration of the tomb, which spanned three distinct phases over the course of more than 20 years, was a collaborative effort involving 260 archaeologists, conservators, and technicians. The project was led by Japanese experts in partnership with UNESCO and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. Mohamed Ismail, secretary-general of the council, described the tomb as "a very fascinating tomb," emphasizing its unique features and the care taken to preserve its integrity. "It maintains the frame of the original sarcophagus box, with the lid positioned where the body would have been," Ismail told the Associated Press.
Visitors entering the tomb are greeted by a downward-sloping passageway, stretching 36 meters (about 118 feet) in length and reaching a depth of 14 meters (approximately 45 feet). This corridor leads to the main burial chamber, which was built for the king himself, as well as two secondary chambers intended for his wives, Queen Tiye and Queen Sitamun. The tomb’s walls are adorned with mural paintings and inscriptions, though unlike some other royal tombs in the valley, WV22 is not fully decorated. The artwork that does survive is striking, depicting Amenhotep III alongside a pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods, as well as his queens.
One of the tomb’s most evocative features is its inclusion of scenes from the "Book of the Dead," a collection of spells and religious texts designed to guide the deceased safely through the underworld. According to Knewz.com, these inscriptions were intended to ensure Amenhotep III’s successful journey into the afterlife. The presence of such texts underscores the spiritual significance of the site and offers modern visitors a glimpse into the beliefs that shaped ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
Despite the grandeur of the tomb’s architecture and artwork, the story of Amenhotep III’s mummy is one of loss and resilience. Ancient priests, recognizing the vulnerability of royal tombs to looters, moved the pharaoh’s mummy to the tomb of his grandfather, Amenhotep II, also located within the Valley of the Kings. Over time, the mummy suffered significant damage, but it survived and is now displayed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization alongside 16 other mummies belonging to 17 kings and queens from Egypt’s illustrious past.
The reopening of Amenhotep III’s tomb is not just a triumph of archaeology; it is also a critical component of Egypt’s broader strategy to revitalize its tourism sector. For decades, tourism has been a cornerstone of the Egyptian economy, drawing millions of visitors eager to experience the country’s ancient wonders. However, the industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, which brought political instability and a decline in international arrivals. As reported by Phys.org and Estadão Conteúdo, the Egyptian government views the restoration and reopening of major archaeological sites as essential to attracting foreign visitors and securing much-needed revenue.
The timing of the tomb’s reopening is especially significant, coming just weeks before the much-anticipated launch of the Grand Egyptian Museum. This new cultural institution, situated near the iconic pyramids of Giza, is poised to become a centerpiece of Egypt’s tourism revival. By showcasing treasures from throughout the country’s history—including, eventually, artifacts from Amenhotep III’s reign—the museum aims to draw a new generation of travelers and scholars alike.
The restoration of the tomb was a monumental undertaking. According to the New York Post, the project involved not only the stabilization of the tomb’s fragile structure but also the meticulous renovation of wall paintings and inscriptions. Technicians and conservators worked to repair damage caused by centuries of neglect and looting, ensuring that the site would be safe for visitors and future generations of researchers. The international nature of the project—combining Japanese technical expertise with Egyptian and UNESCO oversight—reflects the global importance of preserving humanity’s shared cultural heritage.
For many Egyptians, the reopening of Amenhotep III’s tomb is a source of pride and a symbol of resilience. Despite the loss of so many artifacts to looters, and the challenges posed by political and economic upheaval, the country has managed to safeguard and restore one of its most significant archaeological treasures. The event has also served as a reminder of the enduring allure of ancient Egypt, whose mysteries and marvels continue to captivate people around the world.
As visitors once again descend into the depths of WV22, they are not only stepping into the world of a powerful pharaoh but also participating in a new chapter of Egypt’s ongoing story—one that blends reverence for the past with hope for the future. With the Grand Egyptian Museum on the horizon and renewed interest in the country’s archaeological riches, Egypt is poised to reclaim its place at the heart of world heritage and tourism.
In the shadow of the Valley of the Kings, the legacy of Amenhotep the Great endures, inviting all who enter to marvel at the achievements of a civilization that, even after millennia, refuses to be forgotten.