The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to officially open its doors on Saturday! This momentous occasion is an important highlight and key indicator of this country’s developing cultural scene. Located just outside Cairo, adjacent to the iconic Giza Pyramids, this monumental institution aims to showcase Egypt’s rich ancient civilization and enhance the nation’s tourism sector.
The much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum has a jaw-dropping $1 billion price tag. Once completed, it will take the title of the largest museum in the world devoted to a single civilization. The museum has a breathtaking 24,000 square meters of permanent exhibition space. It will feature over 50,000 artifacts, illuminating the daily life, history, and more that made up this multifaceted civilization. Get ready to be awestruck by a monumental 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II and the incredible 4,600-year-old solar boat of King Khufu. You’ll meet a treasure chest of 5,000 objects from the legendary treasures of King Tutankhamun!
The GEM boasts 12 principal galleries which, in chronological order, display an array of antiquities from prehistory through the Roman period. The museum’s design, executed by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, reflects modern architectural principles while paying homage to Egypt’s storied past. In addition to its extensive galleries, the Grand Egyptian Museum will include a children’s museum, educational facilities, and commercial spaces to create a comprehensive experience for visitors.
The museum’s opening is part of the Egyptian government’s broader initiative to revitalize the tourism industry, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Though construction of the GEM started in 2005, progress was stymied by the onset of the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. Local officials have the highest hopes that the museum will attract millions of tourists. They hope it will become an important pillar of Egypt’s cultural heritage tourism.
Hassan Allam, a prominent figure associated with the project, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming opening:
“The world has been waiting … Everyone’s excited.”
Ahmed Ghoneim, who works on outreach and education initiatives at the museum, told us why it was so important to engage with younger audiences. He stated:
“We’re using the language that the Gen Z uses right now,” adding that “Gen Z doesn’t use anymore the labels that we read as old people but rather use technology.”
As part of this larger strategy, this new approach aims to attract a younger audience to the incoming Grand Egyptian Museum. It acknowledges the intersectional history embodied by the museum’s collections.
The GEM is expected to not only enhance Egypt’s cultural offerings but serve as a vital educational resource, showcasing the country’s ancient history and its contributions to modern civilization. As the opening day draws near, excitement grows on the ground in Egypt and around the world, underscoring the global fascination with Egypt’s ancient history.
