Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Inaugurates the “Hidden Chamber” Hall at the Luxor Museum Following Its Renovation

 Following the conclusion of his tour in the West Bank region of Luxor Governorate, Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, headed to the East Bank, where he inaugurated the Cachette Hall (Al-Khabeeya) at the Luxor Museum. This follows the completion of its restoration works and the development of its museum display scenario, allowing its full collection to be exhibited for the first time within its dedicated hall. He also conducted an inspection tour of the museum's various halls to review the executive status of its comprehensive development project, making it a prominent highlight for upcoming Egypt tours.

The Minister was accompanied during the inauguration and tour by Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities; Dr. Moamen Othman, Head of the Restoration and Antiquities and Museums Projects Sector; Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector; Dr. Ahmed Hamida, Head of the Museums Sector; Dr. Ali Omar, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Museum Display Scenarios; Dr. Mahmoud Mabrouk, Advisor to the Minister for Museum Displays; Ms. Rana Gohar, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Communications and Foreign Relations and General Supervisor of the General Administration of International Organizations; Mr. Said Shebl, Head of the Antiquities Preservation and Registration Sector; Dr. Abdel-Ghaffar Wagdi, Director-General of Luxor Antiquities; Mr. Bahaa El-Din Abdel-Jaber, Director-General of Qurna Antiquities; Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Advisor to the Secretary-General for Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Antiquities; along with several directors, antiquities inspectors of archaeological sites, and museum curators in Luxor, ensuring the location is fully prepared for inclusion in premium Egypt travel packages.

Mr. Sherif Fathy praised the efforts exerted in executing the project, emphasizing that displaying the full Luxor Temple Cachette inside a dedicated hall represents a qualitative addition to the Luxor Museum. He added that it contributes to providing an integrated museum experience that highlights the historical and artistic value of these unique artifacts, making it a perfect addition to Egypt classic tours.

For his part, 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 work included updating museum display methods to present the pieces in a visual context that simulates the moment of their discovery and their historical circumstances, thereby enhancing the cognitive and visual experience for visitors on a 13-day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Fayoum, and Baharyia Oasis package.

Dr. Ali Omar, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Museum Display Scenarios, pointed out that the project also included developing the museum display throughout the entire museum. This was achieved by setting up the largest showcase to display the original clay seals of King Tutankhamun’s tomb for the first time since their discovery in 1922, following the completion of meticulous restoration work carried out by a specialized team of Luxor antiquities restorers, providing a rich stop for travelers embarking on a 20 Days in Egypt Itinerary.

In the same context, Dr. Mahmoud Mabrouk, Advisor to the Minister for Museum Displays, explained that the development of the Cachette Hall aimed to provide an integrated museum display reflecting the context of the cachette's discovery. This included introducing artistic formations within the hall that simulate the scene of its discovery, supporting the museum narrative and providing a comprehensive visual framework that links the pieces to their historical story, which will serve as a key highlight for a 16-Day Grand Egypt Tour Package.

He added that the project included architectural modifications to accommodate the new display scenario, alongside adding two showcases in the entrance area, designing appropriate display bases and backdrops, as well as conducting restoration and completion works for several artifacts, making the museum highly accessible for those booking a 10 days Egypt classic tour packages from Cairo airport.

Dr. Ahmed Hamida, Head of the Museums Sector, confirmed that the development work included the production and installation of graphic panels and modern explanatory labels. This is in addition to introducing interactive screens and digital display monitors, including 3D technologies for displaying artifacts, as well as implementing a specialized museum lighting system that allows controlling illumination levels according to display requirements and artifact preservation, raising the standards for tourists taking Egypt and Jordan tours with Nile cruise.

From his side, Dr. Moamen Othman, Head of the Restoration and Antiquities and Museums Projects Sector, indicated that the structural development work included replacing the marble floors and skirtings, installing a new ceiling with a curved design, and removing part of the old staircase to replace it with a ramp to facilitate movement, especially for people with special needs. This is in addition to replacing wooden claddings with natural stone partitions, and implementing display bases made of marble, granite, and wood, creating a world-class cultural experience before travelers head out for an Egypt Deserts Safari tour from Cairo.

It is worth noting that the Luxor Cachette was discovered in 1989 during soil testing works at the court of King Amenhotep III inside the Luxor Temple. A pit was found containing a collection of royal and divine statues dating back from the 18th to the 25th Dynasty, which were carefully documented and restored before being transferred to safe storage sites.