Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Inaugurates Revamped Luxor Cachette Hall Following Major Upgrade

Following a field tour of the West Bank, Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, proceeded to the East Bank to officially inaugurate the Luxor Cachette Hall at the Luxor Museum. The opening follows the completion of extensive restoration and a comprehensive redesign of the museum’s display scenario, allowing the cachette’s collection to be exhibited in its entirety for the first time within its dedicated hall.

Minister Fathy toured the museum’s various galleries to inspect the progress of the overall development project. He praised the efforts involved, emphasizing that displaying the Luxor Temple Cachette in a dedicated space adds significant value to the museum and provides an integrated experience that highlights the historical and artistic prestige of these unique artifacts.

Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the hall features 26 diverse artifacts. He noted that the development included modernizing display techniques to present the pieces in a visual context that simulates the moment of their discovery, enhancing the educational and visual journey for visitors.

Furthermore, Dr. Ali Omar, Head of the Supreme Committee for Museum Display Scenarios, revealed that the project extended to the rest of the museum. This includes the installation of the largest display case ever built to house the original clay sealings from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. These seals are being showcased for the first time since their discovery in 1922, following meticulous restoration by a specialized team of Luxor-based conservators.

Dr. Mahmoud Mabrouk, Advisor to the Minister for Museum Displays, added that the revamp of the Cachette Hall utilized artistic installations to recreate the discovery scene. This narrative-driven approach is supported by architectural modifications, the addition of new display cases at the entrance, and custom-designed bases and backdrops.

Highlighting the digital transformation within the museum, Dr. Ahmed Hamida, Head of the Museums Sector, stated that the project introduced modern graphic panels, updated explanatory labels, interactive screens, and 3D digital displays. A specialized museum lighting system was also installed to ensure optimal viewing while maintaining the preservation standards for the artifacts.

Regarding structural upgrades, Dr. Moamen Othman, Head of the Restoration and Antiquities Projects Sector, detailed that the work included replacing marble flooring, installing a new vaulted ceiling, and replacing old stairs with ramps to improve accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities. Wooden panels were also replaced with natural stone partitions, complemented by display bases crafted from marble, granite, and wood.

The Luxor Cachette was originally discovered in 1989 during soil testing in the Court of Amenhotep III at Luxor Temple. It contained a profound collection of royal and divine statues dating from the 18th to the 25th Dynasties, all of which were carefully documented and restored before their current installation.