Egypt has officially unveiled the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), an architectural marvel near the Giza pyramids, positioning it as a premier global cultural institution and the permanent home for the first complete display of treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The grand opening, held recently on Saturday, brought together leaders, prime ministers, presidents, and royalty from various nations, marking the culmination of a two-decade construction effort.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly described the museum as a “gift from Egypt to the world,” emphasizing its significance for a nation boasting over 7,000 years of history. He noted it was a project “we all dreamed of.”
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi underscored the moment’s importance, stating that the museum’s opening marked “writing a new chapter in the story of this ancient nation, both in the present and the future.”
The museum’s most anticipated feature is the unprecedented full exhibition of artifacts from the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922. This includes his iconic golden burial mask, ceremonial throne, ancient chariots, and sarcophagus.
The GEM offers a stark contrast to the century-old Egyptian Museum in central Tahrir Square, which faced issues like looting during the 2011 uprising and a poorly repaired beard on Tutankhamun’s mask in 2014. The new facility’s sleek design complements the ancient pyramids.
Egyptian officials describe the GEM as more than just a building. They call it a “philosophy” and “Egypt’s answer to the Louvre or British Museum,” implying its authenticity as a collection not acquired through colonialism.
Construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum spanned more than 20 years, overcoming challenges such as the Arab Spring, global pandemics, and regional conflicts.
The project cost over $1.2 billion, with the majority of funding secured through development loans from Japan. Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng designed the sprawling facility.
Spanning approximately 120 acres, a size comparable to Vatican City, the GEM is the largest archaeological museum globally. It houses more than 100,000 precious artifacts, including the colossal statue of Ramses II, now prominently displayed in the main entrance hall after decades in central Cairo.
Authorities anticipate the museum will attract up to 8 million tourists annually, providing a significant boost to Egypt’s vital tourism industry.