hree Luxor Tombs Under Restoration With Two Set to Open

Restoration and development works are underway on three tombs in the El Khokha necropolis on the West Bank of Luxor, with two set to open to visitors in the coming period.

The project is being carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities through the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and includes the tomb of Amenhotep known as Rabouya (TT416), the tomb of Samut (TT417), and the tomb of Nakht (TT52), which is already open.

TT416 and TT417 date to the Eighteenth Dynasty, during the reigns of Thutmose III and Thutmose IV respectively, and are set to open for the first time since their discovery in 2015.

According to officials, the works follow scientific conservation methods aimed at preserving wall scenes while ensuring safe and organised visitor access.

Restoration of TT416 and TT417 includes cleaning and stabilising wall paintings, repairing architectural elements, treating cracks and consolidating colours. Visitor infrastructure has also been added, including wooden walkways, lighting systems, staircases, interpretive panels and shaded seating areas.

The tombs follow a T-shaped layout typical of the New Kingdom, with decorated halls depicting daily life and funerary scenes.

TT416 includes agricultural and funerary imagery, including a rare depiction of offerings to the goddess Renenutet, while TT417, although incomplete, features detailed decorative work.

Upgrades at TT52, the tomb of Nakht, focused on improving conservation conditions through the installation of modern protective glazing, enhanced lighting and cleaning of inscriptions.

The tomb’s scenes depict offerings, agricultural activities and daily life, reflecting funerary beliefs of the period.