It 's not quite the Mummy Returns -- more like an attempt to stop the Mummy disappearing in the first place . Archeological experts have built an exact , full-sized replica of King Tutankhamun 's tomb in Egypt , recreating every tiny detail to save the original from being destroyed by visitors . The replica tomb opened this week near the southern Egyptian city of Luxor , where tourists flock to see the ancient Valley of the Kings complex that houses the young pharaoh 's actual resting place . Laser scanners and high definition printers were used to recreate the precise textures and colors of wall murals depicting the afterlife . King Tutankhamun 's original tomb , built following the 19-year-old ruler 's death in 1327 B.C. , was discovered almost intact by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922 . Great fakes : Top tourism replicas . But decades of tourism have taken their toll . Moisture from the breath of visitors has damaged the murals and walls , while temperature fluctuations have caused paint to flake off and cracks to expand . Journey into the afterlife . Luckily , dampness is n't an issue in the new tomb -- some Egyptologists attending an official inauguration reportedly burst into tears when they saw how accurate it was . The facsimile tomb recreates the paintings -- which depict the young pharaoh 's journey into the afterlife -- in their existing damaged form from images taken in 2009 . Carved masonry inside the structure , including the sarcophagus in the middle of the burial chamber that once contained King Tut 's mummy , have been recreated using resin . Both the tombs are currently open to the public , but the plan is eventually to close the original to allow for conservation work . And , no doubt , offer some peace and quiet to Tutankhamun , whose remains are still there , protected by a glass case . Social and political turmoil . The new tomb also help safeguard one of the Egypt 's key attractions at a time when social and political turmoil is wreaking heavy damage on its tourism industry , pushing takings down by 43 % according to some reports . Egypt unveils massive restored statues . `` Our heritage is something that gives Egypt its unique identity ; preserving it through such projects is vitally important , '' said Omayma El Husseini , a spokesman for Egypt 's tourism board . `` They also ensure visitors have the opportunity to experience pharaonic sites of significance , allowing them to stay for longer periods to fully appreciate the importance and relevance of such projects . '' The $ 690,000 replica is the work of Factum Arte , a Madrid-based conservation team also engaged in similar projects to recreate the important tombs of Queen Nefertari and Seti I . `` This remarkable project is a fine example of how new technology can preserve and indeed promote Egypt 's rich archaeological heritage , '' James Moran , the European Union 's ambassador to Egypt , said at the ceremony to open the new tomb . `` It should also help to revive much needed tourism in the unique area of Luxor , something that is badly needed for the development of Upper Egypt . '' Undressing mummies .
The replica of King Tutankhamun 's tomb in Luxor , Egypt , took four years to construct and install . Moisture from the breath of decades of visitors has caused the deterioration of original tomb . Score: 6