Egypt opens the Grand Egyptian Museum, showcasing artifacts from its ancient civilization.
As Egypt prepares for the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the event is anticipated to be a spectacular celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and an essential driver for economic revitalization. Designed to showcase the marvels of ancient Egyptian civilization, this monumental museum not only promises to enhance global appreciation for Egypt’s historical treasures but also aims to position the nation as a leading tourism destination in the region.
Cairo is set to unveil the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a project that symbolizes Egypt’s commitment to preserving its heritage while stimulating its economy. The Egyptian presidency announced that world leaders, including monarchs and heads of state, are expected to attend the grand opening ceremony on Saturday, an event described as “an exceptional moment in the history of human culture and civilization.”
Spanning 24,000 square meters (258,000 square feet) of exhibition space near the iconic Giza Pyramids, the GEM will showcase massive statues and historical artefacts that highlight the sophistication of ancient Egyptian civilization. This project, which took two decades to complete, is not just a display of the past but a bridge between the genius of the ancient Egyptians and the creativity of contemporary artists, as noted by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on social media. He stated that the museum would enhance world culture and art, attracting all those who value civilization and knowledge.
The GEM is one of several megaprojects championed by President el-Sisi since he took office in 2014, as part of a broader strategy to boost an economy that has faced challenges in the aftermath of the 2011 Arab Spring. Security measures have been heightened in Cairo ahead of the opening, with the government declaring a public holiday to commemorate the event. While the museum had previously opened for limited visits, it was closed for the final two weeks of preparations leading up to the grand reveal.
Significant enhancements have been made to the surrounding area, including road improvements and the construction of a metro station to facilitate access to the museum. Sphinx International Airport, situated about 40 minutes from the GEM, has also recently opened, further improving travel for incoming tourists.
Originally launched in 2005, the construction of this billion facility experienced numerous delays due to political instability. However, from the atrium of the museum, visitors will ascend a grand six-storey staircase lined with ancient statues, leading to the main galleries and offering a stunning view of the nearby pyramids. A connecting bridge allows tourists to easily transition between the museum and the pyramids, with options for both foot traffic and electric vehicles.
The museum’s 12 main galleries, which partially opened last year, will exhibit antiquities spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era, organized thematically. Significantly, two halls will showcase the complete collection of 5,000 artefacts from the tomb of King Tutankhamun, presented in its entirety for the first time since the tomb’s discovery by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922.
The Egyptian government aims to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2032, as they believe the GEM will draw more tourists, contributing crucial foreign currency to support the economy. In 2024, Egypt recorded approximately 15.7 million tourists, who contributed about 8 percent to the nation’s gross domestic product. The foreign currency generated from tourism is vital for financing essential imports like fuel and wheat. Starting Tuesday, the Grand Egyptian Museum will be open to the public, inviting all to partake in the wonders of Egypt’s ancient legacy.
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