I have visited the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Met in New York. I can say without reservation that the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose is second only to Cairo Museum in Egypt!
There are many things that are special about this place- First is the architecture. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is the only Egyptian Museum housed in buildings in the Ancient Egyptian style of architecture! The only other similar museum is in Luxor Egypt. (Personally, I liked the one in San Jose better than Luxor!)
The museum is home to an extensive collection of mummies and rare artifacts from different periods in Egyptian history.
Among the very special pieces are a rare statue of Cleopatra, a mummy named Usermontu who is the only mummy known to have a corkscrew pin in his leg, the mummy of a little girl who died thousands of years ago and the mummies of a wide assortment of animals.
There are jewelry, ceramic pieces and textiles that are simply fabulous. The is even a reproduction of an ancient Egyptian tomb that you can tour.
Outside are beautiful Egyptian theme gardens with fountains and even papyrus plants from Egypt.
The gift shop is fantastic with a large assortment of books, jewelry, educational toys and Egyptian gift items.
This museum is a must-see in San Jose. The only place better is Egypt itself!
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