All you need to know about King Tut coffin's transfer, restoration

CAIRO - 6 August 2019: The coffin of King Tutankhamen was transferred from Luxor to the restoration centers of the Grand Egyptian Museum to be prepared for being displayed during the museum's inauguration in 2020.

How was the coffin transferred?

The duration of the transfer from Luxor to the Grand Egyptian Museum lasted 16 hours amid tight security measures,. As soon as the coffin reached the restoration center, it was placed in the isolation room for 7 days. Then the sterilization process began.

The transferred coffin of Tutankhamen

The coffin is one of the three coffins of the young king, portraying the golden king as God Osiris. The coffin was discovered in King Tut’s burial chamber in 1922. The outer ark is made of gilded wood. The hands are clipped with gold foil, crossed across the chest, while holding royal decals inlaid with blue and red glass beads. It is 223.5 cm in length, 86.8 cm in diameter, while its height is 105.5 cm. The ark contains silver handles on both sides that were used to move the lid.

How long will the sterilization process last?

Sterilization and restoration will take nearly 8 months, in preparation for the coffin's display in the Grand Egyptian Museum, which represents a great addition to the overall museum display, where the three coffins of King Tutankhamen will be displayed side by side in a harmonious manner.

How does the sterilization occur?

General Director of Technical Affairs at the Grand Egyptian Museum Hussein Kamal stated that the coffin of King Tutankhamen was transferred from Luxor to the restoration center of the Grand Egyptian Museum inside a sterilization tent. Nitrogen gas was pumped into the tent, so that there was no oxygen inside.

What tools were used in the transfer process?

Special materials that absorb relative humidity when it exceeds the permissible limit were used. Furthermore, temperature and humidity measuring devices were used during transporting the coffin. One of the most important tools used by the repair team during the transportation process is the anti-vibration and anti-shock units in order to provide additional safety for the delicate coffin.