Egypt has officially opened the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — the world’s largest museum dedicated to the country’s ancient civilisation. The grand inauguration ceremony took place in Cairo on Saturday, attended by world leaders, monarchs, and heads of state from several countries. The Egyptian presidency described the museum as “an exceptional event in the history of human culture and civilisation.”
The museum, located near the iconic Giza Pyramids, has been under construction for nearly two decades. It aims to showcase the grandeur of Egypt’s history and also help revive its struggling economy through tourism. The massive $1 billion project has faced multiple delays since construction began in 2005, mainly due to political instability.
Spanning more than 24,000 square meters of exhibition space, the Grand Egyptian Museum houses over 50,000 artefacts that narrate the story of life in ancient Egypt. From statues and jewellery to royal treasures, the museum brings together centuries of Egyptian heritage under one roof.
President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi shared his pride on social media, writing that the museum “brings together the genius of ancient Egyptians and the creativity of modern Egyptians.” He added that the GEM would stand as a symbol of art, knowledge, and civilisation that would attract people from around the world.
The grand opening event featured live music and performances. Egyptian media described the ceremony as a “global symphony of humanity,” highlighting Egypt’s cultural influence on the world. Security around Cairo was tightened for the event, and the government declared a public holiday for the celebration.
In preparation for the opening, the government also carried out a major makeover of the surrounding area. Roads were repaired and new facilities built, including a metro station and the Sphinx International Airport, which is located just 40 minutes away. The goal is to make the museum easily accessible to both local and international tourists.
The Grand Egyptian Museum stands out not just for its size but also for its stunning design. Its triangular glass façade mirrors the shape of the nearby pyramids, creating a breathtaking connection between ancient and modern architecture. Inside, visitors are greeted by a towering granite statue of Ramses the Great, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs who ruled for nearly 60 years from 1279 BC to 1213 BC.
A massive staircase lined with ancient statues leads up to the main exhibition halls, offering a clear view of the Giza Pyramids. The museum is even linked to the pyramid complex by a special bridge that allows visitors to travel between the two sites on foot or via electric vehicles.
The GEM features 12 major galleries, showcasing artefacts from Egypt’s prehistoric period through the Roman era. Each section is organised according to different eras and themes, helping visitors understand how Egyptian civilisation evolved over thousands of years.
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Among its biggest attractions is the Tutankhamun collection, which includes over 5,000 items belonging to the boy king. This is the first time the full collection will be displayed together since the discovery of his tomb by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922.
Renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass called the Tutankhamun section the “heart” of the museum. “Why is this museum so important, and everyone is waiting for the opening? Because of Tutankhamun,” he said.
The collection includes some of the most precious items ever found in Egypt — King Tut’s golden throne, his burial mask made of gold and precious stones, six chariots, and three ceremonial beds. These priceless treasures offer a deep insight into Egypt’s royal traditions, craftsmanship, and beliefs about life after death.
The Egyptian government hopes that the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum will serve as a major boost to the country’s tourism industry, which is a key source of national income. Tourism in Egypt has faced several challenges over the past decade, from political unrest following the 2011 Arab Spring to the global COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine.
Despite these difficulties, the tourism sector has shown strong signs of recovery. Official data shows that 15.7 million tourists visited Egypt in 2024, generating around 8% of the country’s GDP. The government aims to attract 18 million visitors in 2025, and an ambitious 30 million tourists per year by 2032.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the museum would not only serve as a cultural landmark but also act as an economic engine. The new museum is expected to attract around 5 million visitors annually, providing a steady inflow of foreign currency and creating thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport, and retail.
Local businesses are also expected to benefit. Tour guide Walid el-Batouty said that the opening would “boost the economy of Egypt tremendously, not just for the hotels and the museum itself.” Every small transaction, he added — “whether a tourist takes a cab or buys a bottle of water” — contributes to Egypt’s economic growth.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is part of President el-Sissi’s broader vision to modernise Egypt’s infrastructure and strengthen its global image. Since taking office in 2014, his administration has launched several large-scale projects, including new cities, highways, and tourism hubs, all designed to attract investment and restore confidence in the economy.
With the museum now open, Egypt hopes to showcase not just its past but also its progress as a modern nation. The GEM will officially open its doors to the public on November 4, marking the anniversary of Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb — a fitting tribute to Egypt’s enduring legacy of exploration, art, and civilisation.
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