In Egypt, the tomb of Amenhotep III has just reopened on October 12, 2025, after more than 20 years of restoration with support from the Japanese government and UNESCO. Long closed to the public, this major site in the Valley of the Kings once again reveals its millennia-old frescoes with vibrant colors. The restoration pays homage to Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled for nearly 40 years, a period marked by prosperity and artistic refinement.
In Egypt, the tomb of Amenhotep III has been opened to the public after undergoing 20 years of renovation with support from the Japanese government and UNESCO, having been closed for over two decades. Carved over 3,000 years ago on the west bank of the Nile, across from Luxor, the burial chamber required “incredibly delicate work” due to the deterioration it had suffered over the centuries. Since its discovery in 1799, the tomb’s walls and paintings had cracked, and parts of the structure were at risk of collapse.
Damage to the walls affected over 48% of the tomb due to floods and rains over the centuries. Therefore, it was very difficult to renovate and restore it to its original state. The restoration was funded by UNESCO and Japan because they used very expensive and delicate materials.
The urgent restoration, led by Egyptian authorities, required years of meticulous work. Visitors can now explore the chambers via new wooden staircases and walkways and admire the frescoes with their blue backgrounds, “among the most refined murals from the 18th Dynasty.” However, the main attraction remains the monumental lid of the granite sarcophagus, carved with hieroglyphs and far too heavy to be moved.
The discovery of the tomb is a message to the entire world, showing them that we are preserving our ancient monuments and our history, while the museum is a message showing that we can share our treasure with the entire world.
The country is experiencing a resurgence of interest, with a record number of visitors exceeding 1.3 million in 2024. This restoration is a significant milestone for Egypt’s tourism sector, a vital economic driver that attracts visitors with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and ancient monuments such as the Pyramids of Giza.