Where Is King Tut’s Mummy? The Truth Behind the Boy King’s Final Resting Place

For over a century, the mystery of where King Tut’s mummy lies has captivated millions around the world. The boy pharaoh, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, continues to fascinate archaeologists and travelers alike. Since the discovery of his tomb in 1922, Tutankhamun’s mummy has revealed stories of life, death, and divine kingship in ancient Egypt.

In this article, we’ll uncover exactly where King Tut is buried, how his tomb was found, where his treasures are kept today, and what visitors can see when exploring this extraordinary archaeological site.

When was King Tut’s tomb built?

King Tut’s tomb (KV62) was built during the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, around 1332–1323 BCE, during the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun himself.

Because Tutankhamun died unexpectedly at a very young age — around 18 or 19 years old — his tomb was constructed hastily and is much smaller than those of other pharaohs. Archaeologists believe the tomb may have originally been intended for a lesser noble, then quickly adapted for the young king’s sudden burial.

Despite its modest size, the tomb’s rich treasures and exquisite craftsmanship made it one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history when it was uncovered by Howard Carter in 1922.

The Discovery of King Tutankhamun’s Tomb

The story begins in the early 20th century when British archaeologist Howard Carter, supported by Lord Carnarvon, began excavations in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. After years of searching, their persistence paid off on November 4, 1922, when they uncovered a hidden staircase leading to what would become one of history’s greatest discoveries — Tutankhamun’s tomb.

When Carter peered through a small opening into the sealed chamber, he famously said he saw “wonderful things.” Inside lay a nearly intact royal tomb filled with treasures: golden statues, jewelry, furniture, chariots, and the iconic golden mask. Unlike other tombs that had been looted centuries earlier, this one had remained sealed, making it a priceless window into the world of ancient Egypt’s royalty.

Tutankhamun’s tomb location — known as KV62 — sits in the Valley of the Kings, on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, where many New Kingdom pharaohs were buried.

Where Is King Tut’s Mummy Now?

So, where is King Tut’s mummy today?
The answer is both fascinating and fitting: his body still rests in the same place where it was laid to rest more than 3,000 years ago — inside Tomb KV62 in the Valley of the Kings.

The mummy of King Tut lies within a climate-controlled glass case inside his burial chamber. This modern protection shields it from the effects of humidity, bacteria, and light, ensuring it remains preserved for future generations. While his golden mask and treasures have been moved to Cairo, the mummy remains in Luxor, allowing visitors to see the ancient king where he was originally buried.

Inside Tutankhamun’s Tomb (KV62)

Stepping into King Tut’s tomb is a journey into history itself. Although smaller than other royal tombs due to his unexpected death at around age 19, the site is breathtaking.

The tomb consists of four main rooms:

• The Antechamber, filled with everyday items and chariots.
• The Burial Chamber, where King Tut’s mummy lies.
• The Treasury, housing statues and religious artifacts.
• The Annex, containing food, oils, and clothing for the afterlife.

Beautiful wall paintings line the burial chamber, showing Tutankhamun’s journey to the afterlife. The colors remain vivid, a testament to ancient Egyptian artistry. Visitors can also see the large stone sarcophagus that once held three nested coffins, the innermost made of solid gold — now replaced by a protective glass enclosure.

How Is King Tut’s Mummy Preserved?

The process of mummification was central to ancient Egyptian belief, intended to prepare the deceased for eternal life. King Tut’s body was treated with oils, resins, and linen wrappings, but the embalming materials caused damage over time.

Today, Egyptian conservation teams carefully preserve his remains using a temperature-controlled environment inside the tomb. This system prevents further decay while allowing visitors to view the mummy safely.

In recent decades, scientists conducted CT scans and DNA studies that revealed fascinating insights:

• Tutankhamun likely suffered from a broken leg and malaria.
• He had a genetic disorder possibly caused by inbreeding.
• He was about 19 years old when he died.

These findings help historians understand more about his short life and sudden death, deepening the mystery surrounding the young pharaoh.

What Happened to King Tut’s Treasures

When Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened, more than 5,000 artifacts were uncovered. Among them were the golden coffin, royal chariot, and throne, each reflecting the artistic mastery of ancient Egypt.

To protect these priceless artifacts, most were transferred to Cairo and are now part of the King Tutankhamun Collection at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Visitors can view the treasures that once surrounded the young king in the afterlife, including his legendary golden death mask.

Over the decades, selected items from Tutankhamun’s tomb have toured internationally, mesmerizing millions of people. However, the full collection will soon be displayed together for the first time in the new museum — a must-visit for any history enthusiast.

Can You Visit King Tut’s Mummy?

Yes — you can visit King Tut’s mummy in person! His tomb (KV62) is open to the public in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor. Visitors can see the actual mummy lying peacefully in a transparent case, surrounded by paintings that have survived for millennia.

When visiting, keep in mind:

• Best time to visit Luxor: October to April, when the weather is pleasant.
• Tickets: A separate entry ticket is required for KV62.
• Nearby sites: Combine your visit with the Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu.

To make the most of your experience, consider joining Egypt Maya Tours or a guided Luxor day trip, where Egyptologists explain the history, art, and symbolism of each site.

What Happened to King Tut’s Treasures?

When Howard Carter uncovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, he found more than 5,000 artifacts buried with the young king — a dazzling collection of wealth and craftsmanship that amazed the world. Among the most iconic items were the solid gold coffin, the golden throne, elegant jewelry, ornate chariots, and the breathtaking King Tut’s mask, which has become one of Egypt’s greatest symbols.

To ensure their safety and long-term preservation, most of King Tut’s treasures were carefully transferred to Cairo, where they became the centerpiece of the King Tutankhamun collection. These priceless items are now housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Great Pyramids of Giza. The museum will eventually display the entire collection together for the first time, allowing visitors to experience the splendor of Tutankhamun’s world in one place.

Over the years, many pieces from the tomb have toured across the globe in special exhibitions, giving millions of people the chance to witness the artistic brilliance of ancient Egypt. From Paris and London to Los Angeles and Tokyo, King Tut artifacts have inspired awe and deepened global appreciation for Egyptian history.

Today, while the mummy remains in Luxor, his treasures continue to tell the story of Egypt’s golden age — a legacy that lives on through every glittering artifact preserved in the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Key Facts About King Tut’s Mummy

• Full Name: Tutankhamun (ruled 1332–1323 BC)
• Discovered by: Howard Carter in 1922
• Tomb Number: KV62
• Burial Location: Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt
• Artifacts: Displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza
• Condition: Preserved inside a glass case
• Fame: The most intact royal tomb ever found

Visiting Tips and Recommended Tours

If you’re planning a journey to Egypt, visiting King Tut’s tomb is an unforgettable experience. To make it even more enriching:

• Join Egypt Maya Tours or guided trips that include Luxor, Aswan, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
• Arrive early to avoid crowds in the Valley of the Kings.
• Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and respect the preservation rules inside tombs.

A trip to Luxor and Giza offers the rare chance to stand before Egypt’s greatest treasures — to see where King Tut’s mummy rests and admire the wonders that have survived thousands of years.