California is the last place history buffs think of when yearning for a dose of ancient Egyptian wonder. Being among the most visited states in the U.S., California is largely known as the land of Hollywood glam, with iconic attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, palm-lined beaches, and national parks with diverse landscapes.
However, for those in search of the unexpected and a taste of Ancient Egypt without leaving the U.S., there is one remarkable site that delivers just that. Located outside Los Angeles, one of the most visited cities in the U.S., this hidden spot boasts massive columns inscribed with hieroglyphics, towering statues that echo the pharaohs, and intricate carvings reminiscent of temples once buried by desert sands.
Here’s a closer look at the California-based Egyptian temple that’s a tribute to the timeless charm of Egyptian civilization.
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The Egyptian Building Is A Lesser-Known Egyptian-Inspired Landmark In Chino Hills, California
Amid the suburban sprawl of Chino Hills, a stunning structure rises, seemingly out of place in the heart of the city. The Egyptian Building, a replica inspired by the ancient temples of Egypt, brings a taste of antiquity to Southern California.
However, this architectural marvel, located in the Commons Mall at Chino Hills, is more than just a monument to history. It is a story of ambition, cultural homage, and delayed dreams.
Constructed to house the Egyptian restaurant Farou Food, the Egyptian Building was designed to resemble the famous Abu Simbel Temples of Egypt, albeit on a smaller scale. This grand endeavor began in 2019 with the goal of opening its doors in 2020.
However, the global COVID-19 pandemic delayed its completion and opening to a later date. Despite this setback, the building’s exterior stands complete and mesmerizing, captivating visitors with its striking resemblance to one of Egypt’s top historic sites and structures.
The architectural design was inspired by Abu Simbel, especially its depiction of Ramesses II (an Egyptian pharaoh), Nefertiti (queen of the 18th Dynasty), and Hathor (a prominent goddess).
The second statue on the left side of the building’s façade is purposefully missing, a direct reference to the original Abu Simbel temple, where one of the statues disappeared shortly after its construction. This thoughtful detail adds an authentic touch to the replica, hinting at the rich historical and cultural significance of the ancient Egyptian monument.
Tucked within the quiet, residential sprawl of Chino Hills, on the site of the Commons Mall, the Egyptian Building is one of Chino Hills’ most unexpected sights.
Though the building’s interior, with its glass ceilings, remains unfinished due to the pandemic’s impact, the exterior is an awe-inspiring sight. Every side of the structure is meticulously detailed, with columns and carvings reflecting the grandeur of the original Abu Simbel temple, one of the ancient Egyptian monuments saved and relocated from Lake Nasser.
A Closer Look At The Building’s Egyptian-Inspired Design
From a distance, the Egyptian Building in Chino Hills looks like something transported straight from the Nile River valley. With sandstone-colored walls and towering statues carved in the likeness of Egyptian deities and royals, the building captures the theatrical splendor of an ancient world.
The building’s facade features four grand statues modeled after Ramses II, Nefertiti, and Hathor. In addition to mimicking ancient forms, these figures echo the scale, posture, and solemn dignity of those carved into the cliffs at Abu Simbel over 3,000 years ago.
Notably, one of the statues is missing its upper portion, a deliberate design decision that nods to the original Abu Simbel temple.
Like most Egyptian temples, including Egypt's ancient temple of goddess Hathor, every inch of the exterior is packed with ornamental symbolism. The columns and walls are etched with Egyptian-style carvings and hieroglyph-like decorations. While they don’t offer actual translations of ancient texts, the effect is visually stunning.
Every decorative piece was handmade in Egypt and shipped to Chino Hills, giving the facade a genuine texture and hue that plastic replicas cannot capture. The building’s intricate detailing continues on all four sides, offering a complete wraparound experience, rare for themed commercial spaces.
While it may not hold sacred relics or ancient spirits, this Chino Hills gem invites curious visitors to step momentarily into North Africa, without ever leaving California.
What This Egyptian-Inspired Building Is Used For Today
Despite its grandiose appearance and detailed architecture, the Egyptian Building currently stands empty. Originally intended to house an Egyptian-themed restaurant named Farou Food, construction was nearly complete when the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt.
However, the building’s shell has taken on a life of its own. While not officially in use, it has become a beloved curiosity and roadside spectacle for locals and visitors. Travelers stumble upon it with wide eyes, some believing it to be a temple or cultural center. Others intentionally seek it out after seeing photos online or hearing rumors about “the Egyptian temple in the suburbs.”
While no events or festivals are currently hosted there, the building has become a minor landmark among lovers of architecture, quirky road trips, and hidden LA gems. It is frequently used as a backdrop for photo shoots, TikToks, and Instagram posts, drawing attention to how bizarrely out-of-place yet captivating it feels in the landscape.
Although there is no formal entrance or visitor signage, spotting this structure, which is one of California's most unique places to visit, is hard to miss once close. The massive facade, featuring columns and towering walls, rises unexpectedly amid trimmed lawns and stucco homes, giving the whole setting an otherworldly setting.
Stumbling upon the Egyptian Building in the heart of California feels like discovering a movie set that never wrapped. This hidden gem offers a striking, offbeat adventure for anyone craving culture, curiosity, and a break from the expected LA itinerary. It is one of California’s lesser-known landmarks, proving that the Golden State never runs out of surprises.