The Tutankhamun Exhibition

About the museum

The Tutankhamun Exhibition opened in Dorchester in 1987, following the success of the 1972 Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition at the British Museum in London. After that show had toured many countries, the Egyptian authorities decided that the Golden Mask and other major treasures should not leave Egypt again. The Dorchester exhibition was created as an answer to this: its objects are facsimiles, made by craftsmen from the original antiquities, photographs and detailed measurements, using the original materials and methods wherever practicable.

The visit starts with background on ancient Egypt, including the Rosetta Stone and mummification, followed by the story of Tutankhamun’s life and the search for his tomb. Visitors then see a recreation of the king’s mummy, which the exhibition says was the first anatomical recreation of its kind shown outside Egypt. The ante-chamber of the tomb has been rebuilt as it was when Howard Carter entered it in 1922, and the burial chamber shows the moment the golden coffins were lifted out of the sarcophagus.

The exhibition is run by World Heritage, which also operates other attractions in Dorchester. It has a long-standing programme for schools and groups, and the ticket now also includes The Mummies Exhibition.

Highlights

• Recreated ante-chamber and burial chamber of the tomb
• Facsimiles of the Golden Mask and the Golden Throne
• Anatomical recreation of Tutankhamun’s mummy
• Background displays on mummification, the Rosetta Stone and the discovery of the tomb
• Ticket includes The Mummies Exhibition and free re-entry until 31 October 2026

Permanent exhibitions

• The Tutankhamun Exhibition – Recreated ante-chamber and burial chamber with facsimiles of the treasures and an anatomical recreation of the king’s mummy.
• The Mummies Exhibition – An additional display on mummies that is included in the entry ticket; the website gives no further details.

Founded

1987

Operated by

World Heritage

Admission & discounts

Tickets are sold only at the ticket desk, not online. A ticket includes The Mummies Exhibition and allows free re-entry until 31 October 2026 (terms apply).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum describes the exhibition as suitable for visitors with impaired mobility. There are two steps at the entrance, and temporary ramps are available. For visitors with hearing impairments, there are several audio programmes and all information is clearly labelled. Lighting is low and atmospheric, which can make viewing difficult for partially sighted visitors, although the audio programmes usually help.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum describes itself as a popular attraction for families and schools. A free funsheet or worksheet at two levels is available for children on arrival.

Getting there & parking

The exhibition is in the centre of Dorchester on High West Street and is signposted on foot from the main car parks. Dorchester lies on the A35, where it meets the A354 from Weymouth and the A37 from Yeovil.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A specialist Egyptian shop sells books and gifts.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit