Overview: 55 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun included the boy-king's solid gold funeral mask, a gilded wood figure of the goddess Selket, lamps, jars, jewelry, furniture, and other objects for the afterlife. This exhibition established the term "blockbuster." A combination of the age-old fascination with ancient Egypt, the legendary allure of gold and precious stones, and the funeral trappings of the boy-king created an immense popular response. Visitors waited up to 8 hours before the building opened to view the exhibition. At times the line completely encircled the West Building.

Organization: The installation, designed by Gaillard Ravenel, Mark Leithauser, and George Sexton, recreated the initial discovery of the dark tomb entrance and storage areas by presenting the objects in approximately the same order in which they were found. Photomurals of 1922 excavation scenes and contemporary newspaper accounts evoked the excitement of the discovery.

Sponsor: The exhibition was supported by gifts from Exxon Corporation and the Robert Wood Johnson Jr. Charitable Trust, matched by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Federal insurance was provided under the new Arts and Artifacts Indemnification Act, effective January 19, 1976. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, holder of the original excavation photographs, organized the exhibition and managed the tour to other American cities.

Other Venues:

• Field Museum of Natural History and the University of Chicago, 04/14/1977–08/15/1977
• New Orleans Museum of Art, 09/15/1977–01/15/1978
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 02/15/1978–06/15/1978
• Seattle Art Museum, 07/15/1978–11/15/1978
• Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 12/15/1978–04/15/1979
• M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, San Francisco, 06/11/1979–09/30/1979