Egyptian Building - Residential buildings line a riverbank on a sunny day.
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Egyptian Building

4.6
·491k reviews·Richmond, United States

A striking Egyptian Revival architectural gem in Richmond, VA, with a fascinating, layered history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Egyptian Building - Residential buildings line a riverbank on a sunny day.

Egyptian Building

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking Egyptian Revival architectural gem in Richmond, VA, with a fascinating, layered history.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This building looks like history, but beneath it is a story they don't teach."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Uncover Darker Histories

Be aware of the building's past, including stories of body snatching and burial grounds. :detective:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The unique Egyptian Revival style makes for stunning photos. Visit during daylight for the best shots.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Egyptian Revival Architecture

Egyptian Revival Architecture

Admire the distinctive Egyptian Revival style, a rare architectural gem that transports you to another era.

TikTok
Richmond's Historic Core

Richmond's Historic Core

Richmond, Virginia

Experience a piece of Richmond's rich history, where this building stands as a testament to its past.

TikTok
Cairo's Railway Heritage

Cairo's Railway Heritage

Cairo, Egypt

Explore the grandeur of the Egyptian State Railway Building, a symbol of national heritage and engineering.

Instagram
Chino Hills' Unique Landmark

Chino Hills' Unique Landmark

Chino Hills, California

Discover a striking Egyptian-inspired structure, a surprising architectural find off the freeway.

Instagram
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Uncover Hidden Histories

Beyond its striking facade, the Egyptian Building holds secrets of body snatching and burial grounds. Explore its fascinating, often untold, past for a deeper understanding of its significance. TikTok

Architectural Marvels & Locations

Discover the unique Egyptian Revival architecture of this historic building. While the original in Richmond, VA, is notable, similar structures exist in Los Angeles and Cairo, each with its own story. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Dr. Mom Richmond’s Egyptian Building looks like history… but beneath it is a story they don’t teach. Body snatching, hidden graves, and a man named Chris Baker. #R#RichmondVAH#HiddenHistoryEgyptianBuildingVCUSecrets
@lifeinrichmondvir
251 likes • 7.8K views

🤫 Uncover Darker Histories

Be aware of the building's past, including stories of body snatching and burial grounds. TikTok :detective:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The unique Egyptian Revival style makes for stunning photos. Visit during daylight for the best shots. Instagram

One of Richmond’s oldest secrets… built in 1845, the Egyptian Building still stands as a symbol of healing and history. 🏛️ #RichmondHistory #EgyptianBuilding #MCVRVA #HistoricRichmond #VCUHistory #OldestBuildings #OnlyInRichmond
@lifeinrichmondvir
168 likes • 5.9K views
مبنى هندسة السكة الحديد التاريخي في رمسيس اتمنى إعادة النظر في قرار هدم المبنى "Egyptian State Railway Building" Cairo Makeover Series #Egypt #Cairo #Ramsis #Railway #Makeover #CairoMakeover #Railway_building #Restoration #Preservation #مصر #ترميم مبنى سكك حديد الحكومة المصرية
salem_mostafa
21.8K likes • 476.8K views

📍 Multiple Locations Exist

Remember, 'Egyptian Building' can refer to structures in Richmond, VA, Cairo, or California. Instagram+1

🏛️ Check for Access

Access to interiors may be limited. Enjoy the exterior architecture and surrounding areas. Reddit

Follow @urbandesign.lab Set in Cairo’s Ramses Square, the historic Egyptian State Railway Building stands as a landmark of engineering and national heritage. Once the beating heart of Egypt’s rail network, it symbolizes both modernization and collective memory. Today, however, its future hangs in the balance with looming plans for demolition. Preservationists hope that adaptive reuse and restorat...
urbandesign.lab
4.4K likes • 143.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Uncover Darker Histories

Be aware of the building's past, including stories of body snatching and burial grounds. TikTok :detective:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The unique Egyptian Revival style makes for stunning photos. Visit during daylight for the best shots. Instagram

📍 Multiple Locations Exist

Remember, 'Egyptian Building' can refer to structures in Richmond, VA, Cairo, or California. Instagram+1

🏛️ Check for Access

Access to interiors may be limited. Enjoy the exterior architecture and surrounding areas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the Egyptian Building's striking architecture and its historical significance, particularly in Richmond, VA. While its unique design is a major draw, some are intrigued by its lesser-known, darker historical connections. The existence of similar structures in other cities adds to its global appeal.

What People Like

Unique architecture
Historical significance
Photogenic facade

What People Dislike

Limited interior access
Complex historical context

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Egyptian Building is located at 1201 E. Broad Street in Richmond, Virginia, on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available within the city. Parking can be found in nearby garages. TikTok

The Egyptian State Railway Building in Cairo is a significant landmark. While its future has been debated, it's a notable structure in Ramses Square. Check local information for current public access. Instagram+1

There isn't a prominent 'Egyptian Building' in Los Angeles itself, but there are structures with Egyptian influences. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA, is often noted for its striking architecture. Instagram+1

The building at 4525 Chino Hills Pkwy. in Chino Hills, CA, is inspired by Egyptian temples. While it was intended to be a restaurant, its accessibility for visitors may vary. Instagram

Richmond offers various transportation options, including GRTC bus services, ride-sharing apps, and walking or biking in certain areas. The Egyptian Building is centrally located, making it accessible from many parts of the city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Egyptian Building in Richmond is primarily an exterior architectural marvel. While you can admire its facade from the outside, access to the interior may be restricted as it's part of VCU. No tickets are typically required for external viewing. Reddit

As the Egyptian Building in Richmond is an academic building, its exterior is visible at all times. Specific interior access would depend on VCU's schedules and events, which are not publicly advertised for general tourism. TikTok

There is no admission fee to view the exterior of the Egyptian Building in Richmond. It's a landmark on the VCU campus that can be appreciated from the surrounding public areas. TikTok

The Egyptian State Railway Building in Cairo is a historic structure. Public access to the interior might be limited due to its current use or preservation status. It's best to check local advisories if you plan to visit. Instagram+1

Information on public access to the Egyptian-inspired building in Chino Hills, CA, is limited. It was planned as a restaurant, so its current accessibility for visitors is uncertain. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Egyptian Building is located in a vibrant area of Richmond, close to VCU's campus, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Virginia State Capitol. You can explore the surrounding historic streets and architecture. Reddit

While the exterior is accessible, interior accessibility would depend on VCU's facilities. The surrounding campus grounds are generally navigable. TikTok

Built in 1845, the Egyptian Building has a complex history, including its construction on an African burial ground and past use as a medical college. It's a significant historical site in Richmond. TikTok+1

Official guided tours specifically for the Egyptian Building's interior are not commonly advertised. However, VCU sometimes offers campus tours that may include historical buildings. Reddit

The building's unique facade is best captured during daylight hours. Consider different angles from the street and surrounding areas to get the most dramatic shots. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo spots are from the street level, capturing its imposing facade. Experiment with different times of day to see how the light plays on the architecture. Instagram

Interior photography is generally not permitted as it's an active VCU building. Focus on the stunning exterior details for your photos. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions on photographing the exterior of the Egyptian Building from public spaces. However, be mindful of VCU's campus policies if you venture onto private areas. TikTok

Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full facade. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or to ensure sharp images. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful for highlighting the details, while late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows. Experiment to find your preferred look. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Egyptian Building in Richmond offers a unique visual experience for families. Its distinctive architecture can spark curiosity about ancient Egypt and different building styles. While interior access might be limited, the exterior provides a great opportunity for photos and discussions about history. TikTok

Consider pairing a visit with nearby attractions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which often has engaging exhibits for children. The surrounding VCU campus also offers open spaces for kids to explore. Remember to discuss the building's historical context, including its past as a medical college, in an age-appropriate manner. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Egyptian Building presents a fantastic subject with its unique Egyptian Revival style. The imposing facade, intricate details, and historical significance offer numerous creative opportunities. Instagram

Best times for photography are during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon when the light casts dramatic shadows and highlights the building's features. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the full scale of the structure and telephoto lenses to focus on specific architectural details. Be aware that interior access is generally restricted, so focus your efforts on the exterior. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find the Egyptian Building in Richmond a compelling site. Its construction in 1845 and its original purpose as a medical college are just the beginning of its story. TikTok

Delve into its more complex past, including its location on an African burial ground and the historical context of medical practices of the time. This building is a tangible link to Richmond's layered history, offering a chance to reflect on societal changes and historical narratives. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Controversial History of Richmond's Egyptian Building

The Egyptian Building in Richmond, Virginia, is more than just an architectural marvel; it's a site steeped in a complex and sometimes unsettling history. Constructed in 1845, it was originally built as a medical college. However, its foundation lies on what was once an African burial ground, a fact that has come to light and sparked important conversations about the site's past. TikTok+1

Further adding to its intrigue, the building has been linked to stories of body snatching, a practice that was unfortunately not uncommon in medical education during that era. These elements contribute to a layered narrative that goes beyond its striking Egyptian Revival facade, prompting visitors to consider the human stories intertwined with its existence. TikTok

Today, the Egyptian Building is part of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus. While its exterior is a popular subject for photographers and history enthusiasts, understanding its full context requires acknowledging the historical sensitivities and the ongoing dialogue surrounding its origins. TikTok

Architectural Styles: Egyptian Revival

The Egyptian Building is a prime example of Egyptian Revival architecture, a style that gained popularity in the 19th century, inspired by the rediscovery and excavation of ancient Egyptian monuments. This style is characterized by its use of monumental scale, massive columns, hieroglyphic motifs, and distinctive pylon-shaped entrances. The Richmond building, with its imposing facade and decorative elements, clearly draws from these ancient inspirations. TikTok

While the Richmond building is a notable example, similar architectural interpretations can be found globally. For instance, the Egyptian State Railway Building in Cairo showcases a grand, historic design that reflects national pride and architectural heritage, though its style might lean more towards Beaux-Arts with Egyptian influences. In contrast, modern interpretations, like the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, also incorporate elements of Indian temple architecture with a distinct Egyptian aesthetic, demonstrating the enduring appeal and adaptability of these motifs. Instagram+1

When exploring these structures, pay attention to the specific details: the lotus and papyrus motifs, the use of obelisks, and the overall sense of grandeur. These elements are not merely decorative but are intended to evoke the power, mystery, and enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian civilization. Instagram

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