The Egyptian Book of the Dead

Exhibition

A seated ancient Egyptian figure on papyrus is placed on a geometric background of red and yellow shapes with outlines of more figures from Egyptian papyri.

Papyrus of Pasherashakhet (detail), Egyptian, about 375–275 BC. Ink on papyrus. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus

Among their rigorous preparations for eternity, ancient Egyptians developed an intricate set of religious writings to help the deceased achieve a blessed afterlife in union with the solar god Re and the netherworld god Osiris. Known collectively as the Book of the Dead, these ritual spells were inscribed on funerary objects. This exhibition, previously shown in 2023, features Getty's Book of the Dead manuscripts, illuminating how ancient Egyptians understood the cosmos, the world of the gods, and the nature of existence.

This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.

Mar 4–Nov 30, 2026

Getty Villa

Museum, Floor 2

Free

All exhibitions are included in your free, timed-entry reservation to Getty. Reservations are available six weeks in advance. Please note, there is a fee for parking.

Plan your visit

Selected Works

Mummy Wrapping of Petosiris, Son of Tetosiris (detail)

Egyptian, 332–100 BCE. Ink on linen. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus
Papyrus of Pasherashakhet (detail)

Egyptian, about 375–275 BCE. Ink on papyrus. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus
Papyrus of Ankhesenaset (detail)

Egyptian, about 1069–900 BCE. Ink on papyrus. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus
Mummy Wrapping of Petosiris, Son of Nanesbastet (detail)

Egyptian, about 300–100 BCE. Ink on linen. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus
Papyrus of Pasherashakhet (detail)

Egyptian, about 375–275 BCE. Ink on papyrus. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus
Papyrus of Pasherashakhet (detail)

Egyptian, about 375–275 BCE. Ink on papyrus. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus
Mummy Wrapping of Petosiris, Son of Tetosiris (detail)

Egyptian, 332–100 BCE. Ink on linen. Getty Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Kraus