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Rosicrucian Egyptian MuseumThere is nothing ordinary about the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which boasts the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the Western U.S. It’s in a quiet residential neighborhood rather than a downtown location like most museums. The Egyptian Revival and Moorish architecture of the buildings and the Ancient Egyptian artifacts inside are exotic. Even the layout is unorthodox, with the museum sharing the city-block-sized grounds with gardens, a planetarium and a research library. Somehow it all works. The three-story museum is the main attraction, with a collection of 2,000 pieces handsomely displayed in five galleries. The four human mummies are the most popular of the rare artifacts, each 2,000 to 3,000 years old, although older pieces include a stone hand axe that’s 1.5 million years old. Among the museum’s other ancient artifacts are elaborately carved coffins, limestone bowls, leather sandals, musical instruments, wine jars and amuletic jewelry. Young children may get bored quickly once they’ve gawked at the mummies, but anyone with a hint of interest in Ancient Egypt will adore this museum, which lets you see how Egyptians (especially the kings and pharaohs) lived in ancient times. A one-hour MP3 audio tour of the artifacts can be downloaded from the museum website in advance of your visit or it’s $4 at the museum. Also on the grounds is a 1936 planetarium, the fifth built in the U.S., which offers free daily shows at 2 p.m. (plus 3:30 on weekends), with an emphasis on the extraordinary knowledge of astronomy possessed by ancient civilizations. The Grand Temple offers public guided meditations daily at noon. The Research Library, with 2,000 rare books, welcomes public visitors. And the Peace Garden and Rosicrucian Park, with its palm trees and distinctly Egyptian fountains and statuary, is like an exquisitely landscaped public park (open 8 a.m. to dusk). The obvious question: Who are these Rosicrucians anyway? The Rosicrucian Order is a worldwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to education based on the wisdom of ancient philosophical traditions, including Egyptian mysticism and modern science. Past Rosicrucians include Ben Franklin and Leonardo da Vinci. If the peace and awe evident on the museum grounds is any indication, they’re a positive force in the world. HelloSanJose Tip: Take the free daily guided tour of a full-scale rock tomb replica, complete with hieroglyphics painted on the walls. - by Bob Cooper, San Jose Reporter for HelloMetro (Click to leave a message)  Bob CooperBob Cooper is a full-time freelance writer (www.bob-cooper.com) who writes about travel, outdoor sports and health. He is a monthly contributor to Runner's World and has written recent articles for other national magazines such as Continental, Ladies' Home Journal and Inc.
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The Rosicrucian Museum's main building is as impressive as the artifacts inside. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The rock tomb replica, which can be entered on daily tours, is covered with hieroglyphics. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
These cat mummies and a cat sculpture reveal the tradition of revering cats in Ancient Egypt. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Daily meditations are offered at the Grand Temple. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Balls used for sport were used in Ancient Egypt, too. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The Peace Garden is a place for reflection on the grounds of the museum. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
This depiction of Osiris, Isis and Nephthys can be admired at the museum. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The Planetarium is one of the oldest in America. Courtesy of San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
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