Egypt opens long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza
Landmark $1 billion complex showcases 50,000 artifacts, including full Tutankhamun collection, to boost Egypt’s tourism industry
CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — After nearly two decades of anticipation and repeated delays, Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum is finally opening its doors to the public this weekend, marking one of the most significant cultural milestones in the nation’s modern history.
Located beside the iconic Giza Pyramids, the $1 billion museum is the largest in the world dedicated to a single civilization, displaying over 50,000 artifacts that trace the story of ancient Egypt.
Officials say the long-awaited opening reflects Cairo’s commitment to reviving its tourism sector, a crucial source of foreign currency for the country’s struggling economy.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, or GEM, was designed by Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects and features a vast triangular glass façade echoing the geometry of the nearby pyramids.
Its grand atrium houses the colossal 3,200-year-old statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II, which once stood in central Cairo before being relocated for preservation. From there, a six-story staircase lined with statues leads visitors toward galleries that open to panoramic views of the pyramids.
The facility includes 24,000 square meters of exhibition space, a children’s museum, educational and conference centers, commercial zones, and one of the largest archaeological conservation labs in the world.
Twelve main galleries chronicle Egyptian history from pre-dynastic times to the Greco-Roman era, integrating multimedia and mixed-reality presentations to appeal to younger audiences.
Ahmed Ghoneim, the museum’s CEO, said the institution is designed to make Egypt’s history accessible through modern storytelling. “We’re using the language of today’s generation,” he noted, referring to the digital and interactive exhibits.
A centerpiece of the opening ceremony will be the unveiling of two halls dedicated to the complete collection of King Tutankhamun — 5,000 treasures displayed together for the first time since their discovery in 1922. Among them are the young pharaoh’s golden throne, his funerary chariots, and the iconic burial mask.
Another major attraction is the 4,600-year-old solar boat of King Khufu, relocated from the Giza plateau in 2021 using a custom-built transport system.
Egyptian authorities expect the museum to attract between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors daily, with world leaders and dignitaries attending the inaugural event.
Officials hope the GEM’s opening will propel tourism toward its goal of welcoming 30 million visitors annually by 2032.
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