Queen Nefertari, the royal wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II (reigned 1279–13 BCE), is linked to some of the most magnificent monuments of ancient Egypt. Appearing in sculpture and images, and identified in inscriptions on buildings associated with Ramesses II, she is also known through a complete temple consecrated to her in Abu Simbel, beside the one dedicated to her husband. Her tomb is the largest and most richly decorated in the Valley of the Queens. It was discovered in the early 20th century by a team of archaeologists led by Ernesto Schiaparelli, then director of the Museo Egizio in Turin.

The team’s discoveries and the role of Nefertari and other powerful women in ancient Egypt are brought to life through the 230 exceptional objects in this exhibition, drawn from the collection of the Museo Egizio. These include statues, jewelry, vases, papyrus, steles, wooden coffins, and stone sarcophagi, as well as tools and various items of daily life from the artisan village of Deir-el-Medina, home to those who created the royal tombs. These astonishing treasures showcase the legacy of the royal wives, sisters, daughters, and mothers of pharaohs, and sometimes even pharaohs themselves, as well as the artists who contributed to the creation of these stunning objects.

Queen Nefertari’s Egypt is organized by the Museo Egizio, Turin, and StArt, in collaboration with the New Orleans Museum of Art. The presentation in New Orleans is made possible by the generous support of New Orleans & Company; Louisiana Office of Cultural Development; the Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; the Charitable Lead Annuity Trust under the Will of Louis Feil; the Booth-Bricker Fund; the Consulate General of Italy in Houston; Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries, a Dignity Memorial provider; Nina Dhurandhar, MD; Mallory Savoie; Elisabeth French; and Kenya and Quentin Messer.

Plan Your Visit

You don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Special Hours

From March 18 through July 17, the museum will offer extended hours to #ExploreNOMA and Queen Nefertari’s Egypt.

Monday, 10 am–6 pm
Tuesday, 10 am–6 pm*
Wednesday, 10 am–6 pm
Thursday, 10 am–6 pm
Friday, 10 am–6 pm**
Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
Sunday, 10 am–6 pm

*The museum is open until 9 pm on select Tuesdays.
**The museum will be open until 10 pm on Fridays, April 1, May 6, June 3, and July 1 during First Fridays at NOMA.

Ticketing

Due to the momentous nature of this exhibition, there is a special ticket and pricing to see Queen Nefertari’s Egypt at NOMA.

Adults | $25
Military | $20
Seniors | $20
University Students | $18
Out-of-State Youth Ages 8–19 | $7

Free for NOMA members
Free for Louisiana youth ages 19 and under
Free for all children 7 and under
Free for Taylor Scholars and two guests

Free and reduced admission prices for youth ages 13–19 courtesy of The Helis Foundation.

On Wednesdays, Louisiana residents receive free general admission to the museum, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. Access to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt is an additional $10 per adult. Visitors are required to show a valid Louisiana ID or proof of residency to take advantage of this special rate.

Library Culture Pass holders receive free general admission to the museum. Access to this special exhibition requires an additional $10 fee.

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How to Book Tickets

Instructions for Reserving Member Tickets

NOMA members receive complimentary admission to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt throughout the run of the exhibition. Because there is limited capacity, we ask that you reserve tickets in advance to ensure entry. To get your tickets online, click the link below.

Make sure you’re signed into your my.noma.org account, and select the time you’d like to visit. If dates and times are not appearing, make sure you’re logged into the account associated with your membership. If you’re a member and haven’t activated your my.noma.org account, please follow these instructions. If you need additional assistance, please contact membership@noma.org.

Reserve Member Tickets

Not yet a member? Join here.

Member Magic Hours

In addition to receiving free admission, NOMA members have the special opportunity to experience Queen Nefertari’s Egypt outside of the museum’s regular hours.

Learn More

Mobile Guide

Nefertari Hour at Café NOMA

Throughout the run of the exhibition, Café NOMA is offering a special happy hour menu including specialty flatbreads, tea blends, and cocktails fit for royalty. Available weekdays, 3–5 pm.

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Royal Favors at Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group

Show your museum ticket at lunch or dinner at any Ralph Brennan restaurant and receive a complimentary sweet treat with the purchase of an entrée. Offer eligible at Ralph’s on the Park (900 City Park Avenue), Brennan’s (417 Royal Street), Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon Street), and Napoleon House (500 Chartres Street).

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Hotel Partners

During your visit, we recommend staying with one of our preferred hotel partners.

Book a special package at the Marriott New Orleans, Marriott New Orleans Warehouse Arts District, or the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel that includes a guest room in the heart of New Orleans, two tickets to see Queen Nefertari’s Egypt, exclusive access to our Member Magic Hours to see the exhibition, and a free dessert at Café NOMA.

Book a special package at the Windsor Court Hotel that includes daily breakfast for two, two tickets to see Queen Nefertari’s Egypt, exclusive access to our Member Magic Hours to see the exhibition, and a free dessert at Café NOMA.

Group Visits and Tours

Groups of ten or larger should make a reservation to visit Queen Nefertari’s Egypt. Without a reservation, large groups may not be able to enter the exhibition at the same time.

For more information about group tours and school visits, please contact NOMA’s Special Exhibitions Support Coordinator at 504.658.4117 or email grouptours@noma.org.

Group Rates and Self-Guided Tours

Discounted admission to the museum and Queen Nefertari’s Egypt is available for groups of ten or larger who make a reservation in advance. A reservation is required to take advantage of the group ticket rate.

Adults | $23
Military | $18
Seniors | $18
University Students | $16
Out-of-State Youth Ages 8–19 | $5

Free for NOMA members and children 7 and under.
Free for in-state K–12 school groups with advance registration.

Request a Group Visit

Self-Guided Tours

• Self-guided group tours are available during regular museum hours and must be scheduled in advance. Two weeks notice is preferred.
• All tours must be scheduled by at least 4 pm the day before the tour. 
• Groups of 10–15 can be scheduled at one time. Larger groups will be required to have staggered entry times.

Request a Self-Guided Tour

Guided Group Tours and Rates

NOMA offers special docent-led tours of Queen Nefertari’s Egypt with advance registration. Please see rates for and information on guided tours below.

Adults | $28
Military | $23
Seniors | $23
University Students | $21
Out-of-State Youth Ages 8–19 | $5

Free for NOMA members and children 7 and under.
Free for in-state K–12 school groups with advance registration.
Free for university groups visiting with a professor.

Request a Group Visit

Guided Tours

• Guided tours of Queen Nefertari’s Egypt are available for a maximum of 15 people. Larger groups will be split into two tours.
• Groups of ten or more are eligible for a group ticketing rate.
• At least two weeks notice is required for all reservations.
• Tours will take approximately 45 minutes.
• Groups should arrive ten minutes before the tour time and enter through the Museum Shop side courtyard. Any bus or vehicle drop offs should be in front of NOMA, then groups should proceed to follow the provided signs and take the ramp to the right side entrance.

Request a Guided Tour

Special Package: Royalty for a Day at Café NOMA

• Experience Queen Nefertari’s Egypt with a package including a guided tour and a special themed meal at Café NOMA
• Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am, beginning March 29.
• $58 per guest, includes admission to NOMA and Queen Nefertari’s Egypt and a two-course lunch at Café NOMA
• Groups must be booked in advance.
• Availability is limited. A group of 10 to 15 guests can be accommodated for Lunch with Nefertari.

Request a Royalty for a Day Package

Sample Menu

• First course: Sampler plate with falafel, hummus, and dulmas
• Second course: Ful—fava bean stew, served with a choice of kofta (chicken, lamb, or cauliflower)
• Extras: Water, soda, and other non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Student Visits

• Student visits are offered to K–12 school groups including students and chaperones free of charge with advance reservation.
• All student visits must be reserved in advance.
• Guided in-person tours of Queen Nefertari’s Egypt for grades K–12 are available Monday–Friday at 9:00 am and 9:45 am.
• Self-Guided in-person tours of Queen Nefertari’s Egypt for grades 5–12 are available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Request a Student Visit

Guided Public Tours

• Guided tours of Queen Nefertari’s Egypt are available to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1 pm.
• Each tour is limited to 15 guests, and your museum ticket does not guarantee space on a guided public tour.
• Sign up for a guided public tour upon arrival to the museum.
• If you have ten or more people, please request a group visit so that we can accommodate your group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the museum’s COVID-19 safety requirements?

We continue to monitor all federal, state, and local guidelines, and will update our policy accordingly.

Read all museum Covid-19 safety guidelines here

What are the museum’s hours for Queen Nefertari’s Egypt?

From March 18 through July 17, the museum will offer extended hours to #ExploreNOMA and Queen Nefertari’s Egypt.

Monday, 10 am–6 pm
Tuesday, 10 am–6 pm*
Wednesday, 10 am–6 pm
Thursday, 10 am–6 pm
Friday, 10 am–6 pm**
Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
Sunday, 10 am–6 pm

*The museum is open until 9 pm on select Tuesdays.
**The museum will be open until 10 pm on Fridays, April 1, May 6, June 3, and July 1 during First Fridays at NOMA.

Purchase tickets here

Is entrance to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt included with admission to the museum?

Due to the momentous nature of this exhibition, there is an additional fee for admission to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt. Admission to NOMA, including this special exhibition, is as follows:

Adults | $25
Military | $20
Seniors | $20
University Students | $18
Out-of-State Youth Ages 8–19 | $7

Free for NOMA members
Free for Louisiana youth ages 19 and under
Free for all children 7 and under
Free for Taylor Scholars and two guests

Free and reduced admission prices for youth ages 13–19 courtesy of The Helis Foundation.

On Wednesdays, Louisiana residents receive free general admission to the museum, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. Access to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt is an additional $10 per adult. Visitors are required to show a valid Louisiana ID or proof of residency to take advantage of this special rate.

Library Culture Pass holders receive free general admission to the museum. Access to this special exhibition requires an additional $10 fee.

Purchase tickets here

Can I still visit NOMA without seeing Queen Nefertari’s Egypt?

Yes, you can still purchase a ticket for general museum admission. If you choose not to visit Queen Nefertari’s Egypt, general museum admission is as follows:

Adults | $15
Active Military with ID | $10
Seniors | $10
University Students with ID | $8

Free for NOMA members
Free admission for youth ages 13–19, courtesy of the Helis Foundation
Free admission for children 12 and under

How do I reserve tickets for Queen Nefertari’s Egypt?

You may purchase tickets online in advance of your visit here.

Tickets are available at the museum the day of your visit on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of capacity limitations for Queen Nefertari’s Egypt, we highly recommend booking tickets in advance to guarantee your preferred time.

All available times to visit Queen Nefertari’s Egypt are listed online. If your preferred time is not appearing, tickets are no longer available for that time.

Purchase advance tickets here

How can I tell if Queen Nefertari’s Egypt is sold out for the day I want to visit?

We highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance of your visit here. All available times to visit Queen Nefertari’s Egypt are listed online. If your preferred time is not appearing, tickets are no longer available for that time. Tickets may become available at the museum due to cancellations, but entry is not guaranteed without a timed ticket.

Purchase advance tickets here

Is admission to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt free for museum members?

NOMA members enjoy complimentary admission to the museum and this special exhibition, one visit per day, as capacity allows. Because of capacity limitations for Queen Nefertari’s Egypt, we highly recommend booking tickets in advance to guarantee your preferred time.

Additionally, the museum is offering select Member Magic Hours, during which members have exclusive access to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt.

To reserve member tickets for Queen Nefertari’s Egypt, make sure you’re signed into your my.noma.org account, and select the time you’d like to visit. If dates and times are not appearing, make sure you’re logged into the account associated with your membership. If you’re a member and haven’t activated your my.noma.org account, please follow these instructions. If you need assistance, please contact membership@noma.org.

Reserve tickets here

How many complimentary tickets to Queen Nefertari’s Egypt do I receive with my membership?

NOMA members may book the following numbers of tickets per visit:

• Individual: 1 free member ticket per day
• Friends & Family: 2 free member tickets per day
• Sustaining, Benefactors, Young Fellows, and Friends of the Sculpture Garden: 4 free member tickets per day
• Fellows and Circles: 6 free member tickets per day

Reserve tickets here

Will I have to wait in line to see Queen Nefertari’s Egypt?

NOMA is using timed tickets to help manage capacity for this exhibition. If you purchase your tickets in advance, the entry time listed on your ticket is when you can enter the exhibition. Please arrive within 15 minutes of this time. Late entry may require rebooking, if space allows.

If you purchase your tickets in person on the date of your visit, you may have to wait until the next available time slot to experience Queen Nefertari’s Egypt. You are welcome to visit the museum’s permanent collection and other exhibitions while you wait.  

Due to capacity limitations, there may be short wait times during the check-in process and at the entrance to the exhibition.

Purchase advance tickets here

When is the least busy time to visit the exhibition?

Generally, the least busy times to visit the exhibition are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons.

Does the museum offer group rates or guided tours for groups?

Yes, groups of ten or larger should make a reservation to visit Queen Nefertari’s Egypt. Without a reservation, large groups may not be able to enter the exhibition at the same time. You may request a guided or self-guided tour for your group here.

How do I plan a visit with my school or student group?

You may request a guided or self-guided tour for your school or student group here.

Is the exhibition appropriate for kids?

Yes, the exhibition includes historical objects that are suitable for all ages.

Can I take photographs in the exhibition?

Personal photography without flash is allowed in Queen Nefertari’s Egypt and throughout NOMA. Videography and commercial photography requires a permit from the museum. For all press photography inquiries, please contact press@noma.org.

Is there a mobile/audio guide for the exhibition?

Yes. We invite you to explore Queen Nefertari’s Egypt with insight from NOMA curators, Egyptologists Melinda Nelson-Hurst and Kara Cooney, and other guests. You will need to bring your own headphones to experience the audio portion of this self-guided tour.

Mobile Guide

How long is this exhibition open?

Queen Nefertari’s Egypt is open to the public March 18–Sunday, July 17. NOMA is the final North American venue for this traveling exhibition.

Purchase tickets here

Are all of the women in the sculptures Queen Nefertari?

No, the only known representations of Nefertari in human form are at an architectural scale. The sculptures and objects on view feature other royal wives, sisters, daughters, and mothers of pharaohs, as well as goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon.

Is Nefertari the same person as Nefertiti?

No, Nefertari was the first wife of Ramesses II, who ruled 1279–13 BCE (19th Dynasty). She is most known for her presence on the Lesser Temple at Abu Simbel and her Tomb in the Valley of the Queens.

Nefertiti (Neferneferuaten-Nefertiti) is most known by her painted bust in the Archeological Museum in Berlin. She was the royal wife of Amenhotep IV (reigned ​​1353–36 BC), the 18th Dynasty pharaoh who controversially changed the state religion to a monotheistic worship of Aten, the sun god. He moved the capital from Thebes to Tell el Amarna, changed his name to Akenaten, and encouraged a new style of art.

The prefix “Nefer” means beautiful, hence its use in both names.

How is Nefertari related to King Tut?

Nefertari is not related to Tutankhamen, commonly known as King Tut. Tutankhamun, born Tutankaten, was the son of Amenhotep IV and either Nefertiti or another wife. He ruled for 10 years (c. 1332–23 BCE, 18th Dynasty) and reversed his predecessor’s religious reforms. He was the last of his family to rule during the 18th Dynasty. Nefertari was married to Rameses II, the third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty.

Are there any mummies on view in this exhibition?

No, there are not any human remains included in Queen Nefertari’s Egypt. The exhibition does include wooden coffins and stone sarcophagi.

Which museum do the objects on view belong to?

All of the objects on view in Queen Nefertari’s Egypt are part of the collection of the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy.

Were the objects on view acquired ethically?

The objects from Queen Nefertari’s tomb were brought from Egypt by Ernesto Schiaparelli, then director of the Museo Egizio, at the start of the 20th century. They were allowed to leave Egypt with the permission of the Egyptian department of antiquities, in accordance with the laws and practices of the time.

With funding from the Italian king Vittorio Emanuele III and exclusive excavation permits from the Egyptian Antiquities Service, Schiaparelli established an official archaeological mission, which worked between 1903 and 1920 in 11 different sites. Under the partage system, the Italian mission was allowed to keep a part of the many thousands of objects they unearthed. The objects that you see in Queen Nefertari’s Egypt represent a selection of the Museo Egizio’s portion of the findings from Schiaparelli’s mission.

Today, the Museo Egizio still maintains one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt. The touring of these objects is supported by the Egyptian government. 

While exploring the exhibition, we hope that the objects presented in Queen Nefertari’s Egypt encourage dialogue about the acquisition of ancient Egyptian artifacts, the history of colonization, and your feelings about seeing and experiencing the objects outside of their original home in Egypt. 

Read more about the history of these objects and how they came to be in the collection of the Museo Egizio.

Press

Ian McNulty, “You can taste authentic Egyptian food during NOMA’s next big show, thanks to these chefs,” nola.com, March 15, 2022.

Doug McCash, “3000-year-old Egyptian artifacts of ‘Queen Nefertari’s Egypt’ coming to NOMA in March,” nola.com, February 3, 2022.