Your Guide to “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures”

For centuries, the mysterious allure of ancient Egyptian culture fascinated scholars and political elites around the globe. With Howard Carter’s groundbreaking discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 a fascination with King Tut entered mainstream popular culture, sparking a renewed wave of “Egyptomania.”

Unwrap a brief history of this groundbreaking discovery, an unexpected connection to Biltmore’s history, and more with your insider guide to Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures, opening March 21, 2025, at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Tutankhamun, or King Tut, was a young pharaoh in Egypt over 3,300 years ago. © Theodor Oskar Krath

Fast Facts About King Tut:

• Name: Tutankhamun (pronounced two-ten-ka-men, also known as “King Tut”) served as pharaoh of Egypt from 1332 to 1323 B.C., more than 3,300 years ago!
• Life & Death: Tut is sometimes called the “Boy King” because he ascended to the throne at only 9 years old. Tutankhamun died at age 18 or 19, likely due to illness.
• Historical Significance: Tutankhamun was considered to be a relatively unimportant historical figure until the 1922 discovery of his intact tomb in the Valley of the Kings by British archaeologist Howard Carter. The tomb’s remarkable completeness and the treasures it contained are the reasons Tutankhamun became such a prominent figure in ancient Egyptian history.
• Tut’s Treasures: The inside of his tomb was filled with magnificent treasures including a golden mask, jewelry, furniture, statues, weapons, and, of course, the mummy of King Tut.
• Real vs Replica: The original artifacts from King Tut’s tomb are now permanently housed in Egypt and are no longer available for international travel or display. This exhibition features meticulously crafted, true-to-life replicas.

Experience the groundbreaking discovery of King Tut’s tomb as if you were there in 1922.

Discover Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures at Biltmore

“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.

You don’t have to imagine yourself being in the Valley of the Kings at the time of this groundbreaking discovery… you’ll get to experience it!

Using media and objects, Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures culminates with the chance to experience the 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.

Vibrant watercolors from Lady “May” Cecil depict scenes from her travels to Egypt around the turn of the century. © The Biltmore Company

Unwrapping Biltmore’s Unexpected Family Ties to Tut

“We are thrilled to host this exhibition because it gives us an extraordinary opportunity to share a Biltmore story that may surprise you,” says Travis.

Not only did George and Edith Vanderbilt visit Egypt on several occasions—it was a very fashionable destination during their era, after all—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, which led 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 in the country. Biltmore’s archival collection contains travel journals and watercolor paintings from May’s travels to Egypt around the turn of the century.

Tip: You’ll have the unique opportunity to learn more about the fascinating details of this family story during your Tutankhamun experience!

Around 1,000 exquisitely crafted replicas of King Tut’s treasures are on display throughout the exhibition. © Theodor Oskar Krath

Exploring Ethically: Replicas of Tut’s Treasures

With all exhibitions presented at Biltmore, thorough research is conducted behind the scenes to ensure our guests will have access to world-class cultural experiences while visiting George Vanderbilt’s historic estate. The same is true for Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures.

“There are ethical dimensions to the display of historic artifacts outside their country of origin, especially when the objects are associated with death and burial, and those that were removed as part of an imperial campaign, as is the case with the Tutankhamun collection,” shares Lori Garst, Curator of Collections at Biltmore.

While some of the treasures from King Tut’s tomb have traveled internationally in the past, the original artifacts are now housed permanently in the newly constructed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which aims to preserve significant pieces of history and ensure local citizens have access to their cultural heritage.

“By showcasing meticulously detailed replicas produced by expert Egyptian craftsmen, this exhibition provides an ethical, accessible, and utterly fascinating way for you to experience this remarkable history up close and without traveling to Egypt,” says Lori.

“Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures” is a captivating experience for all ages.

Embark on Your Journey to the Valley of the Kings

You don’t have to be an Egypt-o-maniac to appreciate the mysteries of one of the world’s most iconic discoveries. As enriching as it is unforgettable, you won’t want to miss the chance to pair Biltmore’s exclusive estate experiences with your immersive journey to the Valley of the Kings as you discover King Tut’s tomb.

Be among the first to explore the mysteries of ancient Egypt while digging deeper into a surprising historical connection with Biltmore itself when you experience Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures opening March 21 in Amherst at Deerpark®.

Plan your visit: Admission tickets and special overnight stay packages are on sale now!

Tip: Be sure to tag @biltmoreestate #BiltmoreTut when sharing your memories on social media!