LOST VEGAS: Luxor’s Forgotten King Tut Tomb
Corey Levitan Read More
The Mysterious Case of King Tut’s Tomb in Las Vegas
King Tut’s Tomb and Museum, a temporary exhibit that debuted at the Luxor in 1993, has left many to wonder: what happened to this ancient wonder?
The exhibit was removed in June 2008 and is now housed at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. But its legacy lives on in the form of a new simulation at the Luxor, which opened in 2022.
A Copycat Situation?
The Origins of King Tut’s Tomb
The current exhibit is an accurate replica of the relics discovered by Howard Carter during his 1922 expedition to Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. However, it’s not the only simulation of King Tut’s tomb in Las Vegas.
In 2006, a fake tomb was installed at the Luxor, complete with over 500 simulated artifacts. This exhibit was removed in 2008 and is now on display at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.
But why did this exhibit have to go?
A Decade of Change
The year 1993 marked a significant turning point for Las Vegas. The city’s family-friendly image began to take a backseat to its traditional adults-only vibe. This shift in atmosphere led to the removal of several iconic attractions, including the MGM Grand’s amusement park and the Excalibur’s dragon.
In this same vein, the Luxor’s Nile River Ride was de-themed, and its first King Tut exhibit was removed. The entire four-room exhibit was donated to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum in 2008.
A New Era for King Tut’s Tomb
The Current Exhibit
Fast forward to 2022, when a new simulation of King Tut’s tomb opened at the Luxor. This exhibit is an exact replica of the relics discovered by Howard Carter during his 1922 expedition to Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.
With over 500 simulated artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s golden sarcophagus, death mask, jewelry, and chariot, this exhibit promises to transport visitors back in time. But it comes with a hefty price tag – $3 million and counting.
A Third of the Price
The Treasures of Egypt Exhibit
For those who can’t (or won’t) shell out the big bucks for the new King Tut exhibit, there’s an alternative. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is offering a more affordable option: the Treasures of Egypt exhibit, which features the original King Tut exhibit from 2008.
This small nonprofit museum has raised approximately $750K to build a 4,000-square-foot wing to house the collection. And visitors can see it all for just $12 per adult – a fraction of what the Luxor is charging for its new simulation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, King Tut’s tomb in Las Vegas has come full circle. From its origins as a temporary exhibit to its current status as a major attraction, this ancient wonder continues to captivate audiences. Whether you’re willing to shell out the big bucks for a premium experience or opt for something more affordable, there’s a way to see King Tut’s tomb in all its glory.
