Grand Egyptian Museum Opens Near Giza Pyramids
After years of anticipation and numerous delays, the Grand Egyptian Museum is finally ready to welcome visitors. Located near the iconic Giza Pyramids, this monumental facility aims to showcase Egypt’s rich ancient civilization and boost the country’s tourism sector, which is vital for its economy.
A Landmark Development
The Grand Egyptian Museum, often referred to as GEM, represents a significant investment of $1 billion and is poised to become the largest museum dedicated to a single culture in the world. With over 50,000 artefacts, it far surpasses the Louvre in Paris, which houses approximately 35,000 pieces. The museum’s construction began in 2005 but faced interruptions, including a three-year halt. The grand opening, originally scheduled for earlier dates, was postponed multiple times due to regional conflicts, with world leaders expected to attend the ceremony.
Architectural Marvel
Designed by the Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum features a striking triangular glass façade that mirrors the nearby pyramids. Upon entering, visitors will be greeted by a colossal granite statue of Ramesses the Great, standing 11 meters tall. This statue was relocated from a busy roundabout in Cairo, where it had been for decades, to provide a more fitting context for its historical significance.
Inside, a grand six-storey staircase adorned with ancient statues leads to the main galleries, offering stunning views of the pyramids. A bridge connects the museum to the pyramids, allowing visitors to traverse the area on foot or via eco-friendly electric vehicles.
Exhibition Highlights
The museum boasts 24,000 square meters of permanent exhibition space, including a dedicated children’s museum, conference facilities, and a commercial area. The 12 main galleries, which opened last year, feature artefacts organized by historical periods and themes, showcasing Egypt’s evolution from prehistoric times through the Roman era.
Many of the artefacts on display were transferred from the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, while others were recently excavated from sites like the Saqqara necropolis. The museum employs advanced technology, including multimedia presentations and mixed-reality experiences, to engage younger audiences and enhance their understanding of ancient Egypt.
King Tutankhamun’s Treasures
A major highlight of the Grand Egyptian Museum is the exhibition dedicated to King Tutankhamun, featuring 5,000 artefacts from the young pharaoh’s tomb. This marks the first time that the entire collection will be displayed together since its discovery by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. The previous Egyptian Museum lacked the space to showcase all the treasures simultaneously.
Among the restored items are King Tut’s funeral beds, chariots, golden throne, and his iconic burial mask, which underwent repairs after a mishap in 2014. Another significant piece is the 4,600-year-old solar boat of King Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid, which was recently relocated to the museum.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The Egyptian government is optimistic that the Grand Egyptian Museum will attract a significant number of tourists, providing much-needed foreign currency to support the economy. The tourism sector has shown signs of recovery following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of the war in Ukraine, which affected visitor numbers from both countries.
In 2024, Egypt welcomed a record 15.7 million tourists, and the government aims to increase that number to 30 million by 2032. To facilitate access to the museum and the pyramids, infrastructure improvements have been made, including new roads and the construction of a metro station nearby. Additionally, Sphinx International Airport has opened, located just 40 minutes from the museum.
Hassan Allam, CEO of the firm managing the museum, anticipates daily visitor numbers between 15,000 and 20,000. “The world has been waiting… Everyone’s excited,” he remarked, highlighting the global interest in this monumental project.
FAQs
When is the Grand Egyptian Museum opening?
The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to officially open on Saturday, following years of construction and delays.
What can visitors expect to see at the museum?
Visitors can explore over 50,000 artefacts, including a complete exhibition of King Tutankhamun’s treasures and the solar boat of King Khufu, among many other historical items.
How is the museum enhancing the visitor experience?
The museum incorporates advanced technology, including multimedia presentations and mixed-reality shows, to engage younger audiences and provide a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian culture.
Conclusion
The Grand Egyptian Museum is poised to become a pivotal attraction for both local and international tourists, showcasing Egypt’s ancient history in a modern setting. With its grand opening on the horizon, the museum represents not only a cultural milestone but also a crucial step towards revitalizing Egypt’s tourism industry and economy.
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