The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, established by the Rosicrucian Order, a fraternal, philosophical organization, specializes in ancient Egypt. Located in a residential section of San Jose, the small museum has one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in western North America. On display are more than 4,000 authentic ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, along with accurate reproductions, scale models of ancient places and dioramas of daily ancient Egyptian life. This museum attracts families, especially with children between seven and 12 years old, as well as individuals interested in Egyptology or specialized museums.
Best and worst times to go to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The museum can be crowded on a weekday during the school year, September to June, as it is a popular destination for school field trips. Visitors may want to plan visits between May and September to coincide with farmers markets, free concerts and festivals that take place then.
Must see/do at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Be sure to see the after life gallery that includes mummies of humans, cats, ibis and other animals. Also, visit the replica of an underground burial tomb, including a sarcophagus. After visiting the museum, walk around the grounds to view the Peace Garden, open-air temple, fountains, statues and buildings designed in the style of ancient Egypt.
Admission to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The admission fee ranges from five dollars for children to nine dollars for adults. Admission is free for children under five years old; but parents must carry children if they cannot walk, as strollers are not allowed in the museum. The museum does not admit anyone 30 minutes before closing hours.
Parking and public transportation to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Free parking is available on the streets and in the museum's parking lot, which entrance is located on Naglee Street, behind the museum. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority bus lines 22/522, 61/62 and 81 stop near the museum. To get from the Amtrak and Caltrain Station, about two miles away, walk to Santa Clara and Montgomery and take the 522 to The Alameda and Taylor, then walk half-a-mile to the museum.
Food at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Food is not available at the museum. An Italian restaurant is a block away and various other types of restaurants are within a two-mile radius from the museum.
Insider tip for visitors to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Students, military personnel and seniors who are 55 years old or older receive a discount on their admission fee, as do AAA and KQED members.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes a blog about Hollister and nearby areas.
