Egypt unveils Grand Egyptian Museum celebrating 5,000 years of civilisation

Egypt has inaugurated the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo — a landmark project that aims to honour the country’s ancient heritage while boosting its economy and tourism sector. The opening ceremony, held on Saturday, was attended by world leaders, monarchs, and heads of state, marking what Egyptian officials described as “an exceptional event in the history of human culture and civilisation.”

Located near the Giza Pyramids, the $1 billion museum took 20 years to complete after numerous delays caused by political upheaval and financial constraints. Spanning 24,000 square metres of exhibition space, the museum houses some of the most significant artefacts from Egypt’s ancient past, including colossal statues, sacred relics, and intricately preserved treasures.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who has championed the project since taking office in 2014, said the museum unites “the genius of ancient Egyptians and the creativity of modern Egyptians,” adding that it will become a new global landmark for culture and knowledge.

Architectural wonder beside the pyramids
The Grand Egyptian Museum, situated on the edge of Cairo overlooking the Giza Plateau, offers a seamless connection to the pyramids through a pedestrian bridge and electric vehicles. Inside, visitors are greeted by a vast atrium where a six-storey staircase lined with statues leads to galleries that provide a panoramic view of the pyramids.
The museum’s 12 main galleries, which opened partially last year, showcase Egypt’s history from prehistoric times through the Roman era, arranged by chronological and thematic order.

Tutankhamun’s full collection unveiled
Among the museum’s greatest attractions are the 5,000 artefacts from the tomb of King Tutankhamun, displayed in their entirety for the first time since Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery in Luxor. Two dedicated halls feature the young pharaoh’s treasures, including his iconic golden mask, chariots, jewellery, and funeral bed — meticulously restored for public display.

Reviving Egypt’s tourism and economy
Authorities have taken extensive measures to improve access to the museum and surrounding heritage sites. Roads have been rebuilt, and a new metro station is under construction near the entrance. The recently opened Sphinx International Airport, just 40 minutes away, is expected to facilitate tourist arrivals.
The Egyptian government hopes the GEM will play a vital role in reviving the tourism industry, which has suffered from years of instability and economic challenges. In 2024, Egypt welcomed a record 15.7 million tourists, contributing about 8% of its GDP. Officials now aim to double that number to 30 million visitors annually by 2032.

Symbol of national pride and global culture
Security in Cairo was heightened ahead of the event, and the government declared a public holiday for the inauguration. The museum had been open for limited preview tours over the past few years but was closed for two weeks before the grand opening for final preparations.
Cultural experts see the Grand Egyptian Museum not only as a repository of antiquities but as a symbol of Egypt’s modern identity — merging its rich past with its aspirations for global recognition and economic resilience. The museum officially opens its doors to the public on Tuesday, ushering in a new era for Egypt’s cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation.