The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the iconic Giza pyramids, is preparing for its long-awaited grand opening on July 3, after two decades of planning and multiple delays. With a wealth of over 100,000 artefacts, including the legendary golden treasures of Tutankhamun, the museum promises to be a spectacular display of Egypt’s ancient history.
Ahmed Ghoneim, the museum’s director, revealed that the inauguration could span several days, with celebrations extending across Egypt and even internationally. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has extended invitations to prominent figures such as US President Donald Trump and Spain’s King Felipe VI for the event.
The GEM, which spans 50 hectares, is twice the size of both the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and two and a half times the size of the British Museum.
Designed by the Dublin-based Heneghan Peng Architects, the GEM is intended to immerse visitors in the rich civilisation of ancient Egypt. The museum features an impressive 11-metre statue of Ramses II, which greets visitors as they enter, leading them through a grand staircase adorned with statues of pharaohs and gods.
The museum’s galleries showcase thousands of artefacts, including the treasures of Queen Hetepheres and, most notably, the golden treasures of Tutankhamun. One of the museum’s standout exhibits is the 44-metre-long cedarwood solar barque, dating back to around 2,500 BC, which is displayed alongside a boat still under restoration.
The GEM is poised to have a significant impact on Egypt’s economy, particularly its tourism sector. With an expected five million visitors annually, the museum is set to contribute to the revival of Egypt’s tourism industry, which is recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With its proximity to the newly opened Sphinx International Airport, the Giza pyramids, and an increasing number of nearby hotels, the GEM will play a key role in making Egypt more accessible to tourists.
