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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Egyptian Building
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking Egyptian Revival architectural gem in Richmond, VA, with a fascinating, layered history.
"This building looks like history, but beneath it is a story they don't teach."
🤫 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Richmond's Historic Core
Richmond, Virginia
Experience a piece of Richmond's rich history, where this building stands as a testament to its past.
Cairo's Railway Heritage
Cairo, Egypt
Explore the grandeur of the Egyptian State Railway Building, a symbol of national heritage and engineering.

Chino Hills' Unique Landmark
Chino Hills, California
Discover a striking Egyptian-inspired structure, a surprising architectural find off the freeway.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Hidden Histories
Architectural Marvels & Locations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 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.
📍 Multiple Locations Exist
Remember, 'Egyptian Building' can refer to structures in Richmond, VA, Cairo, or California.
🏛️ Check for Access
Access to interiors may be limited. Enjoy the exterior architecture and surrounding areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 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.
📍 Multiple Locations Exist
Remember, 'Egyptian Building' can refer to structures in Richmond, VA, Cairo, or California.
🏛️ Check for Access
Access to interiors may be limited. Enjoy the exterior architecture and surrounding areas.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
While the exterior is accessible, interior accessibility would depend on VCU's facilities. The surrounding campus grounds are generally navigable.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Interior photography is generally not permitted as it's an active VCU building. Focus on the stunning exterior details for your photos.
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.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full facade. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or to ensure sharp images.
Morning light can be beautiful for highlighting the details, while late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows. Experiment to find your preferred look.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
🏛️ History Buffs
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Controversial History of Richmond's Egyptian Building
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.
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.
Architectural Styles: Egyptian Revival
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit