Overview
Carter House (Arabic: منزل كارتر) was the residence of the British archaeologist Howard Carter on the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor, within the wider area of the ancient Theban Necropolis. Built in the early twentieth century on a low rise, the modest mud-brick house served as Carter's base during many seasons of fieldwork near the Valley of the Kings. Today it is preserved as a small heritage museum that offers a personal view of the man behind a world-famous discovery.
In November 1922, working under the sponsorship of Lord Carnarvon, Carter uncovered the entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), one of the most celebrated finds in the history of archaeology. The house gave the team a place to live, keep records and plan their work during the long excavation seasons. The clearance of the tomb took roughly a decade, and the house stands as a quiet witness to the daily routine of early archaeological fieldwork in Egypt.
After its working life as a dig house, the building was restored by the Egyptian authorities and opened to visitors as a museum. Its rooms are presented to evoke the period, with period-style furnishings, photographs and displays about Carter and the excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb. The simple architecture reflects local building traditions. A visit pairs naturally with the Valley of the Kings and other West Bank monuments, adding human context to the grand ancient sites nearby.
What to see
- 01Period-style rooms that evoke the daily life of an early excavation team
- 02Photographs and displays about the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922
- 03The traditional mud-brick architecture of a West Bank dig house
- 04The setting on the Theban West Bank, close to the Valley of the Kings
Visitor tips
- Check current opening hours and ticket arrangements locally before you go, as they can change.
- Combine your visit with the Valley of the Kings and other West Bank sites to make the most of a day on the west side.
- Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes, and visit in the cooler morning hours when possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carter House in Luxor?
Carter House is the former home and dig base of the British archaeologist Howard Carter on Luxor's West Bank. It has been restored and is presented as a small museum about Carter and his work.
Who was Howard Carter?
Howard Carter was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist who, working with Lord Carnarvon, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings in November 1922.
Is Carter House worth visiting?
Yes, especially for visitors interested in the history of archaeology. It offers a human-scale look at the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and combines well with a visit to the Valley of the Kings.
