Conservation and Management of the Tomb of Tutankhamen (Conservation at the Getty)

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- Conservation & Management of the Tomb of Tutankhamen
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Conservation and Management of the Tomb of Tutankhamen

Development and Implementation of Monitoring and Maintenance Program, Presentation and Interpretation Plans, and Policies for Uses of the Tomb


	Visitors looking into the burial chamber from the antechamber. KV62 is one of the most heavily visited sites in the Valley of the Kings. During the project's second phase, the GCI will address visitor management issues. Photo: Stephen Rickerby

The establishment of a monitoring and maintenance program is important so that evidence of damage or deterioration of the tomb and wall paintings can be identified early, before progressive loss or irreparable damage has occurred. Damage can be caused by such factors as the effect of visitors, climatic and environmental changes, biological activity, and geological and hydrological changes. The KV62 monitoring and maintenance program will include the development and implementation of a schedule and protocol for periodic monitoring of the condition and maintenance of the tomb and its wall paintings. Condition inspections will include continued microclimate monitoring within the tomb, regularly scheduled visual inspections to compare actual conditions against established documentation, and regularly scheduled photography of selected points and areas within the tomb.


	Tutankhamen's mummy is displayed in the tomb's antechamber. The GCI will address issues related to the mummy's presentation and interpretation. Photo: Stephen Rickerby

During this phase, use policies for the tomb will also be elaborated. Visitor carrying capacity will be established and a visitation policy will be crafted, including the development and implementation of lighting, ventilation, and interpretive aspects. Issues related to the Tutankhamen mummy's presentation, interpretation, and signage will also be addressed. Additional use policies will cover recommendations for supervision and control over commercial uses of the tomb including filming and photography, with particular attention to the potential for damage to the tomb during such activities.

Last updated: November 2009