The Tomb Has Closed. Thank You San Diego.

THE WEST COAST PREMIERE Limited Engagement: Closed April 26 San Diego Natural History Museum

Presented by bank of america


Journey through time

to the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt

Kids at the exhibit

The Discovery of King Tut recreates the awe and marvel of the moment of discovery—enter an overwhelming treasure trove, discover new worlds and new wonders, learn about and study the treasures—it's an experience for all the senses. Using state-of-the-art technology, the exhibition recreates a piece of the fascinating, bygone exotic empire on the Nile.

Overview
Kids at the exhibit

The tomb and treasures of Tutankhamun have been faithfully reconstructed to scale, giving visitors a realistic impression of the overwhelming opulence of the offerings meant to serve the king on his magical journey into the Underworld. More than 1,000 replicas of the most important finds have been reconstructed by master Egyptian craftsmen using traditional techniques, and can be admired at the exhibition.

Originals vs. Reproductions
Kids at the exhibit

State-of-the-art multimedia technology provides exhibit goers information and a vivid illustration of the culture and spiritual world of the ancient Egyptians—their cult of the dead, deities, dynasties, and mysterious hieroglyphic script. Of course, the focus of the exhibition lies on Tutankhamun himself. As part of the experience, every visitor will enjoy a fully-immersive audio tour, with both child and adult versions available.

Return of the King

History

Howard Carter in Tut's tomb.

The forgotten pharaoh

Tutankhamun was one of the most enigmatic figures in Egyptian history. He was descended from the 18th dynasty, which established the New Kingdom and led it during a period in which the arts flourished.

As the son of the god-king Akhenaten, Tutankhamun became pharaoh at the tender age of eight, but died under mysterious circumstances at about the age of 19.

His successors erased his name from all monuments, meaning he was not recorded on any list of kings and faded into obscurity. Unknown and forgotten, he lay for almost three and a half millennia in the Valley of Kings until British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922.

About Howard Carter

A worldwide sensation

The burial and treasure chambers shown at this exhibition cannot be seen in this form anywhere else in the world – not even in Egypt, because Tutankhamun’s original tomb in the Valley of Kings has now been almost completely emptied.

Tutankhamun’s treasures are now cordoned off behind glass in the display cabinets of the Egyptian National Museum in Cairo. The impression of space made by the tomb in its original state can only be experienced at this exhibition: virtual archaeology makes accessible worlds that no longer exist.


Tickets

Admission Tickets

Adult: $27

Senior (62+): $24

Military/College Student (with ID): $21

Youth (7-17): $17

Child (3-6): $11


Member Tickets

Adult: $15

Senior (62+): $13

Military/College Student (with ID): $11

Youth (7-17): $10

Child (3-6): $8


To purchase tickets and reserve an entry time on the same day of your visit: Please call Customer Service directly at 619-255-0195 to make your purchase.

Passholder Tickets

If you have a Balboa Park Explorer, San Diego GoCard, or other passes for general admission to theNAT, you can purchase an upgrade ticket to see The Discovery of King Tut at discounted rates. Purchase tickets at the Admissions Desk on the day of your visit.

Adult: $18 | Senior (62+): $16 | Military/College Student (with ID): $15 | Youth (7-17): $12 | Child (3-6): $9

Group Tickets

Discount tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. The Discovery of King Tut is perfect for adult, youth, senior, and tour groups. Advanced reservations are required.

Get more information.

School Field Trips

Teachers: Planning your next school field trip? Discount school group rates are available with advanced reservations. Field trip reservations fill up quickly. Act now!

Get more information.

Host a Private Party

During evening hours, The Discovery of King Tut is available for private events. Corporations, organizations, and social groups can enjoy a buy-out of this exhibition for an unforgettable and unique Museum experience. Contact events@sdnhm.org.

Not a Museum Member?

Join today!

Volunteer for the Exhibition

APPLY TODAY!

Hours of Operation

October 11, 2014 - April 26, 2015

Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours subject to change.
plan for your tut experience

Please plan on spending at least 90 minutes exploring this exhibition.


Highlights

Recent Press Coverage

ZAHI HAWASS TALK 'DISCOVERING TUTANKHAMUN | KPBS.ORG | MARCH 3, 2015

ADVENTURES IN ARCHAEOLOGY WITH DR. ZAHI HAWASS | SANDIEGO6.COM | MARCH 2, 2015

THE ARTS ISSUE | SDJEWISHJOURNAL.COM | DECEMBER 2014

INSECTS IN RELIGION: SACRED SCARABS TO HARBINGERS OF DOOM | KPBS.ORG | NOVEMBER 20, 2014

INSECTS IN RELIGION: FROM SACRED SCARABS TO MANNA FROM HEAVEN | SANDIEGO6.COM | NOVEMBER 4, 2014

TUT'S TOMB RECREATED AT NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM | UTSANDIEGO.COM | OCTOBER 29, 2014

DAILY BUSINESS REPORT | SANDIEGOMETRO.COM | OCTOBER 14, 2014

JUST OPENED: THE DISCOVERY OF KING TUT AT THENAT | REDTRI.COM | OCTOBER 14, 2014

KING TUT EXHIBIT ARRIVES IN SAN DIEGO | KPBS.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2014

KING TUT REPLICAS VISIT MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | SDENTERTAINER.COM | OCTOBER 13, 2014

KING TUT EXHIBIT OPENS AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM | KUSI.COM | OCTOBER 12, 2014

'KING TUT' EXHIBIT OPENS AT SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM IN BALBOA PARK | 10NEWS.COM | OCTOBER 11, 2014

KING TUT EXHIBIT OPENS AT SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM | FOX5SANDIEGO.COM | OCTOBER 11, 2014

CALENDAR: OCTOBER 10 – 23 | SDUPTOWNNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 10, 2014

TAKING THE KIDS - TO SAN DIEGO | FOXNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 10, 2014

SAN DIEGO WEEKEND: WHAT'S HAPPENING OCT. 10-12 | TIMESOFSANDIEGO.COM | OCTOBER 10, 2014

THE DISCOVERY OF KING TUT | SANDIEGO6.COM | OCTOBER 10, 2014

KING TUT EXHIBITION OPENS IN BALBOA PARK | CBS8.COM | OCTOBER 9, 2014

KING TUT EXHIBIT ARRIVES IN SAN DIEGO | SANDIEGO6.COM | OCTOBER 9, 2014

KING TUT ARRIVES IN SAN DIEGO | SDREADER.COM | OCTOBER 8, 2014

KING TUT DOPPLEGANGER HEADS TO THE BEACH | SFCHRONICLE.COM | SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

FALL PREVIEW: WHAT'S HAPPENING IN VISUAL ARTS | UTSANDIEGO.COM | SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 

KING TUT EXHIBIT TICKETS GO ON SALE CBS8.COM | AUGUST 26, 2014

PAGING STEVE MARTIN! KING TUT EXHIBIT COMING TO BALBOA PARK | TIMESOFSANDIEGO.COM | AUGUST 26, 2014

THE DISCOVERY OF KING TUT EXHIBIT RETURNS TO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM | KUSI.COM | AUGUST 26, 2014

DAILY BUSINESS REPORT | SANDIEGOMETRO.COM | APRIL 4, 2014

‘KING TUT’ ON WAY TO BALBOA PARK | UTSANDIEGO.COM | APRIL 3, 2014

KING TUT EXHIBITION COMING TO SAN DIEGO | FOX5SANDIEGO.COM | APRIL 3, 2014

SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TO HOST WEST COAST DEBUT OF "THE DISCOVERY OF KING TUT" EXHIBIT | SANDIEGO6.COM | APRIL 3, 2014

BALBOA PARK COUP: NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TO DEBUT KING TUT EXHIBIT ON WEST COAST | TIMESOFSANDIEGO.COM | APRIL 3, 2014