Step Back in Time at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose

What do you get when you mix ancient Egypt and modern San Jose, California? No, this isn't some riddle from the mysterious Sphinx, but a question that can be answered simply by visiting the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose. With one of the largest private collections of ancient artifacts, this museum is a must for anyone traveling in the Bay Area. The architecture of the park surrounding the museum whisks you into the land of the Pharaohs with papyrus plants and reflecting pools, fountains and statues of the gods and goddesses from ancient times.

A new Peace Garden was recently completed and dedicated to world peace in June of 2004. This beautiful refuge is a walled enclosure designed in the tradition of the 18^th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, specifically the Amarna period of the heretic Pharaoh Akenaten. The garden is planted with date palms, dwarf pomegranates, papyrus and a grape arbor. The large reflecting pool has lotus plants floating in the water and a replica of an Egyptian temple to one side.

The entire park is lined with roses, palms and an assortment of other plants and flowers, wakening the senses and creating a calming atmosphere for any visitor just wanting a few minutes to relax. In addition to the museum, Rosicrucian Park also has a research library, a newly remodeled planetarium with nightly shows and even a greater-than-life statue of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus.

The admission prices for the museum are more than reasonable considering what's contained inside the building. The floor plan is set out for different subjects, such as the Amarna period, Coptic period and a fantastic wing dedicated to funerary objects, including actual sarcophagi, mummies and a mock-up of a tomb that has self-guided or docent-guided tours through the passageways and into the tomb chamber. Hieroglyphs decorate the walls of the tomb and colorful drawings bring the chamber to life, so to speak.

There is a small gift shop for souvenirs and a wonderful assortment of books for sale, and an auditorium for the occasional presentation. The famous Dr. Zahi Hawass, from the Giza Plateau Pyramid complex, gave a speech and slide show here a few years ago, and local artists or exhibits are showcased here also.

So, if you're in the area and want to experience ancient Egypt without traveling overseas, prepare yourself for a day of adventure, awe and fun at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and watch Egypt come alive right before your eyes.