Legacy & Impact

How the Tutankhamun Archive continues to shape research and public engagement

For over a century, the Tutankhamun Archive has inspired scholars, students, and the public alike. The new Tutankhamun Spatial Archive continues this legacy by expanding how people can engage with one of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made.

This resource is not simply a digital collection, it is a platform for exploration, research, and learning that connects the past with the tools of the present....

For Researchers and Academics

The Spatial Archive provides a foundation for new forms of scholarship:

  • Access to digitised excavation records
  • Full metadata creation for every record supports accurate referencing
  • The spatial structure and search features allow users to trace relationships between objects, rooms, and excavation events
  • The archive encourages interdisciplinary research, bridging Egyptology, digital humanities, conservation, and the history of archaeology

For Digital and Technical Innovation

The redevelopment of the archive has created a robust and flexible system that demonstrates how historical archives can evolve:

  • Every record has been rebuilt from scratch, ensuring future-proofed data rather than scanned images alone
  • The search tool accounts for spelling variations and synonyms, helping users to find the information even without precise terminology
  • Integrated model viewers lay the groundwork for future connections between the archive and a 3D reconstruction of the tomb
  • A forthcoming feature will allow users to download and analyse their own search results, supporting open data principles

For Museums and Heritage Professionals

  • The archive’s unified structure helps curators trace object histories and link related documentation across collections
  • Conservation records and photographs provide valuable reference points for preservation work and exhibition planning
  • As a model of sustainable digital practice, it offers a framework that can inform similar projects worldwide

For Schools and the Wider Public

A major aim of the Spatial Archive is to make Tutankhamun’s discovery accessible to everyone:

  • The “For Schools” section introduces a virtual learning experience
  • The intuitive interface invites exploration by users of all ages and backgrounds, offering both visual and textual journeys
  • Open access ensures that the material is freely available for education, creativity, and personal discovery

Continuing Support and Collaboration

This redevelopment has been made possible through the generous support of the John Fell Fund, and through close collaboration between the Griffith Institute and Agile Collective. As the archive continues to grow, future phases will include new material from across the tomb, the addition of a 3D environment, and improved export and linking features to enhance discovery and reuse.