The Exhibition Today

In 2005, hoping to inspire a whole new generation, Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, in partnership with Arts and Exhibitions International and the National Geographic Society, launched a new American tour of Tutankhamun's treasures, this time called "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs." It is expected to draw more than three million people. The exhibition started in Florida, and Chicago, and is currently in Philadelphia. The Exhibition then moves on to London before finally returning to Egypt in late 2008

It is the first time in 35 years that the artefacts, which were excavated from the boy king's tomb in the burial chamber, will be on display in London.

More than 130 treasures from the Valley of the Kings, which are all between 3,000 and 3,500 years old, will also make up the exhibition.

Showcased in the exhibition are 50 objects found specifically in Tutankhamun's tomb, among them his royal diadem, or crown; the golden, jeweled container holding his mummified organs; an alabaster sculpture of the boy king; a silver trumpet; and a gilded shrine portraying Tutankhamun and his wife. Visitors also can walk through a replica of Tutankhamun's inner burial chamber, which managed to escape looting by grave robbers.

In addition to viewing objects belonging to Tutankhamun, visitors have a unique chance to see artefacts from notable private tombs found in the Valley of the Kings. For example, the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III's parents-in-law, Yuya and Tuyu, held richly decorated objects such as a gilded jewellery box, a wooden throne embellished with gold and silver foil, and a golden mummy mask all on view in the Exhibition. Until the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by archeologist Howard Carter, Yuya and Tuyu's intact burial site was thought to be the most important find in the Valley of the Kings.

Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said: "Since the discovery of his tomb in 1922, Tutankhamun has captured the hearts of people around the world.

"Buried with him were treasures beyond the imagination, giving us a glittering glimpse into the past."

The last time the artefacts were in London was in 1972 when the British Museum in London hosted the Tutankhamun Exhibition.