Out-of-hours tour: life and death in ancient Egypt

Discover how people lived and died in ancient Egypt and explore their hopes and aspirations for the afterlife. 

From human remains, painted coffins, amulets, shabtis and tomb models of daily life to spectacular wall paintings and papyri; investigate what tombs, human remains and burial goods tell us about the lives and afterlives of ancient Egyptian people. The tour will explore the preparation of the deceased for burial, including mummification, the furnishing of the tomb for an eternal restful existence, and the use of magic to guide and protect people on their perilous journey to the afterlife. It will also show how funerary remains can tell us about the lives of the ancient Egyptians.

This tour visits displays that include human remains. The British Museum is committed to curating human remains with care, respect and dignity. Find out more about our principles governing the holding, display and study of human remains.

Galleries on this tour: 

• Room 61: Egyptian life and death: the tomb-chapel of Nebamun (The Michael Cohen Gallery)
• Room 62–63: Egyptian death and afterlife: mummies (The Roxie Walker Galleries)
• Room 64: Early Egypt

Booking information

• The tour will begin at 09.00 and will last for 60 minutes covering multiple galleries. 
• Please note that the tour will involve a considerable amount of walking and standing. Portable stools are available on request from Visitor Services when you arrive. 
• This tour is recommended for adults and children aged 12+ but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Please meet at the Main entrance on Great Russell Street (WC1B 3DG) at 08.50 with your email confirmation.
• This tour is limited to a maximum of 14 places per session. If you would like to bring a group of 10 or more people or arrange a special out-of-hours tour, please email [email protected] to discuss your options.
• Further information can be found in our FAQs section.