Explore the Egyptian tombs at the Musée de Tessé in Le Mans

Venture into the sarcophagus chamber!

The small number of Egyptologists who have ventured here remain astounded. The reconstruction is breathtaking, with no detail seemingly spared. Draped in filtered light, as if in Egypt itself, visitors explore the final resting place of Nefertari, wife of Ramses II (circa 1230 BC). After the entrance and a series of annexes, overlooked by a deep blue ceiling with a constellation of stars, the outline of the tunnel that leads down into the sarcophagus chamber. It really feels as though you're there! It must be said that the photographic reproduction display on plates created by the Kodak-Pathé foundation offers a very faithful rendering indeed, which allows visitors to contemplate the millennia-old paintings that adorn the walls of the eternal resting place...

A captivating reproduction process

A few meters away, the "vine tomb" of Sennefer, governor of Thebes, features four pillars and superb decorations. The walls feature murals depicting the rituals of the passage to eternal rest, including the offering of amulets, purifications, invitation to a meal, the journey to Abydos, rebirth, etc., all recreated via surface photo transfers created by the company that has already reproduced a room from the Lascaux caves.

An incredible collection of Egyptian objects

Alongside these two magnificent productions, the museum also exhibits a collection of Egyptian objects, some of which come from the Louvre! This is an opportunity to look at a stela from the Middle Kingdom, sarcophagi and a funerary boat, as well as utensils from daily life. The oldest pieces in this collection, which was started in Mans almost two centuries ago, date back to 4,000 years BC. Ready to be an Egyptologist for a day?