Grand Egyptian Museum Opens in Cairo

Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) launched its inaugural event on Saturday, attracting considerable media coverage and online engagement, all set against the backdrop of a stunning 258,000 square foot facility. This grand occasion was marked by impressive drone displays and fireworks.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi celebrated the museum’s opening, which has been nearly two decades in the making, calling it “an exceptional event in the history of human culture and civilization.” He expressed that the museum showcases “the genius of the ancient Egyptians and the creativity of modern Egyptians,” aiming to enhance global culture and art through new landmarks that draw those who appreciate civilization and knowledge.

The groundwork for the museum started in 2002, with serious construction beginning in 2005. The endeavor was monumental, requiring the development of extensive infrastructure, like roads, a train station, and even a new airport. It’s interesting to consider that some historians believe building GEM took about the same duration as the Great Pyramid, which took around 20 to 26 years.

Located near the Giza Plateau, where the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid are situated, the museum offers stunning views of these famed landmarks accessible via pedestrian and roadway bridges.

However, construction faced significant delays due to various political upheavals, including the 2011 Arab Spring and the 2020 pandemic. Since taking office, President Sisi has been a strong advocate for completing the project. After a coup in 2013, he believed that completing the museum would not only restore a sense of national pride but also aid in uplifting Egypt’s economy.

Currently, tourism plays a vital role, contributing about 8% to Egypt’s GDP while also securing foreign currency. There is an ambitious goal for tourism numbers to almost double within six years, with GEM expected to welcome about 5 million visitors annually.

Although the museum had allowed limited tours in the past, security measures were heightened leading up to the grand opening. The government even declared Saturday a national holiday and issued special commemorative coins and stamps.

President Sisi presided over the grand opening, which was attended by various global royals, from Queen Rania of Jordan to Princess Akiko of Japan. He remarked, “We are writing a new chapter in the history of this ancient nation, now and in the future,” during the commemorative event.

The completed museum is set to house approximately 100,000 artifacts, ranging from intriguing historical pieces to the iconic treasures of Tutankhamun. Among the standout items is a colossal 36-foot statue of Ramses II, weighing in at 183,000 pounds, and a massive 20-ton, 138-foot-long boat belonging to Pharaoh Khufu.

Another significant exhibit is an 87-ton obelisk created by Ramesses II, towering over 50 feet. The main draw of the museum, though, is its extensive collection of more than 5,000 artifacts, including the renowned golden mask of Tutankhamun, which had not been displayed in its entirety since its discovery in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter.

Mr. Ahmed Ghoneim, the museum’s director, pointed out that the collection’s appeal lies not just in its completeness, but also in its presentation, which contextualizes items as narratives rather than isolated artifacts.

Tour guide Ahmed Sediq shared his excitement, stating that he has organized tours even when parts of the museum were open. Now, with the museum fully operational, he believes it will reach “the height of its glory.” He anticipates that once the Tutankhamun collection is unveiled, it will attract visitors from all corners of the globe, as the pharaoh remains one of history’s most iconic figures.