Asheville – A stunning exhibit, “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures,” is currently on display at the Biltmore House, providing locals with a rare opportunity to view ancient treasures typically found only in major cities. Visitors will be captivated by insights into King Tut’s life; he served as pharaoh of Egypt from 1332 to 1323 BC and is known as the “Boy King” for ascending the throne at just nine years old and dying at 18 or 19, likely due to illness.
British archaeologist Howard Carter dreamed of excavating the Valley of the Kings, a secluded ravine across the Nile from Luxor. In 1914, when American lawyer Theodore Davis relinquished his digging rights, Carter partnered with wealthy patron George Herbert, Earl of Carnarvon, known for Highclere Castle, which is featured in “Downton Abbey.”
On November 5, 1922, Carter wrote in his journal about “a magnificent discovery—an untouched tomb.” He paused work until Carnarvon’s arrival, sending a telegram: “At last have made wonderful discovery in Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact.” Carnarvon and his daughter arrived on November 22, 1922, leading to one of the century’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries. Stunning replicas of this ancient find are now displayed in carefully lit exhibit rooms in Amherst, about three miles from the Biltmore House. Tickets for the exhibition must be purchased separately with a reserved entry time.
The original artifacts from Tut’s tomb are permanently housed at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza and are no longer available for international travel or display. However, thanks to a connection with the Biltmore House Vanderbilt/Cecil family, expertly crafted replicas of King Tut’s exquisite burial collection are being shown here in Western North Carolina, nearly 1,000 of them. These include the mummy of King Tut, a golden mask, a lavishly decorated chariot, necklaces, gilded figures of gods, weapons, and a sarcophagus containing three inner coffins, among other treasures.
“We are thrilled to host this King Tut exhibition because it gives us an extraordinary opportunity to share a Biltmore story that may surprise you,” says Travis Tatham, Director of Events and Guest Experience Development at Biltmore. Not only did George and Edith Vanderbilt, who began building the Biltmore House in 1889, visit Egypt on several occasions—it was a fashionable destination during their era—but their daughter Cornelia Vanderbilt married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil, whose family had a close friendship with Howard Carter.
In fact, it was the Cecil family—particularly John Cecil’s mother, Mary “May” Rothes Tyssen-Amherst Cecil—who helped foster Carter’s interest in Egypt, leading to his legendary exploration of Egyptian antiquities. May’s childhood interest in and knowledge of Egypt inspired her to visit the country many times throughout her life, even leading excavations there. Biltmore’s archival collection contains travel journals and watercolor paintings from May’s travels to Egypt around the turn of the century.
“This exhibition will transport you back in time to learn about the culture of Egypt as you follow the story of Howard Carter’s challenges and triumphs in making one of history’s most significant archaeological finds: the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Events & Guest Experience Development at Biltmore. Using media and objects, “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures” culminates with the chance to experience a three-dimensional recreation of the excavation site, the legendary tomb, and precisely crafted replicas of its treasures exactly as they were at the moment of discovery.
Semmel Exhibitions organized this touring exhibition, which was recently in Prague, Czech Republic, and will later travel to Cologne, Germany. Another exhibit by Semmel Exhibitions is Disney100, which celebrates the iconic characters and stories of the Walt Disney Company that have captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. It is currently showing in Paris.
This will undoubtedly be an enriching experience for children and adults to explore the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. More detailed information on Carter’s exploration can be found in many YouTube videos, books, and magazines. Hopefully, residents and visitors to Western North Carolina will take the opportunity to see this amazing exhibit, which will be on view until January 4, 2026.