Khonsu Temple Campaign
About Khonsu Temple
Situated within the southwest area of the Karnak Temple Complex on Luxor’s East Bank, Khonsu Temple is regarded as one of Egypt’s most prominent temples. The temple is an excellent example of a small but complete New Kingdom temple.
The temple’s construction began under Ramses III., but was ultimately completed by several later rulers, including Libyan generals who were kings of Upper Egypt. The temple was named after Khonsu, the son of Amun and Mut. The temple consists of a peristyle court, bordered by a portico of twenty-eight columns that lead to a hypostyle hall connected to a barque sanctuary. Some of the most well-preserved and vivid relief carvings at Karnak were long hidden within Khonsu Temple under centuries of smoke and grime.
About the Restoration Project
Auguste Mariette first ‘freed’ the Temple of Khonsu of debris in 1858, after which its future preservation as a building, rather than a ruin, became a tangible problem. In the early 20th century, extensive losses at the base of the structure due to water damage, particularly on the pylons and around the door jambs, were consolidated with red brick in cement mortar. An entire missing column in the first court was also reconstructed at this time using the same materials. Structural steel bracing was introduced in areas of the roof, and joints and losses in the stonework were patched with cement mortar in the interior and on most of the perimeter.
ARCE embarked on a hitherto unfinished conservation program at the site, commencing in 2008 and ending in 2018 with hiatus periods. In 2020, the ARCE Board of Directors decided that the program of conservation work initiated at the temple should be completed to preserve the historical value of one of the most prominent cultural heritage sites in Luxor. As a part of our mission, ARCE values the importance of the conservation work to preserve history for its future generations. It plays an important role to define the landmark within the heritage area as well as to generate economic return and to support the tourism industry.
About the campaign
The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), with funding from our U.S partners at the
U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has continued the restoration and preservation of Khonsu Temple. But the work is far from done.
Even with generous funding support from our partner project costs remain high- and we need your help. ARCE’s goal is to raise $11,500 to cover the additional costs for new sandstone to replace cement and brick repairs.
The work we do is made possible by the individuals, communities, and foundations that power our mission. We hope you’ll join us on the journey forward. Thank you for your time and consideration.
