San Jose, California -
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

It's the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America -- including objects from pre-dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era. There are four galleries in total, ranging from daily life to the afterlife. They also house a rock-cut tomb replica.

On Saturdays and Sundays they have a 3:30 pm planetarium show, the Mithraic Mysteries. [Sarah, 12/16/2010]

"The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the western United States -- including objects from pre dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era."

While it is a serious museum devoted to the Egyptian era, there is a bit of underlying wackiness: the fact that it is run by the Rosicrusian Order which considers San Jose the center of the universe, for starters. Don't miss the six genuine mummies or the rock tomb tour. The Egyptian-style buildings and the surrounding gardens are pretty cool, too. [Sarah, 01/11/2004]

[RA: Aside from the secret cult atmosphere the Rosicrucians have created around themselves, there are rewarding nuggets in this mainstream museum. Watch for the mummified cat exhibit.]