Just outside Cairo, adjacent to the iconic Pyramids of Giza, a stunning facade of glass and light sandstone emerges from the desert landscape. Behind this impressive 800-meter-long structure lies a remarkable tribute to history: Egypt’s most ambitious cultural endeavor, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), has been completed and is now celebrating its grand opening after years of delays.
Designed by the Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng Architects, this monumental building near Cairo spans approximately 500,000 square meters—equivalent to around 70 soccer fields. It boasts ample space for over 100,000 artifacts that chronicle seven millennia of Egyptian history, encompassing Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman antiquities.
The centerpiece of the permanent exhibition is the extensive collection of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, featuring more than 5,000 artifacts, including the legendary golden funerary mask. Among the treasures is the 42-meter-long funerary boat of Pharaoh Khufu, famously known as the Cheops ship, which dates back over 4,000 years.
Initially planned in the early 2000s, the construction faced multiple delays due to factors such as the coronavirus pandemic and political tensions in the Middle East. Since October 2024, the museum has been in a “soft opening” phase, allowing visitors to explore select areas and book special tours.
As the full opening approaches, Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly anticipates the attendance of numerous international heads of state and government at the ceremony on November 1. Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, promised in The National, an English-language magazine from Abu Dhabi, that it will be “a night to remember.” The guest list includes a host of international celebrities from politics, culture, and entertainment, with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier confirming his presence.
The opening will feature a spectacular torchlight procession, during which the renowned artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb will be transported from the old museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square to the new museum.
What sets this exhibition apart is its innovative approach to presentation. “Previously, artifacts from the Old, Middle, or New Kingdoms were displayed separately,” explained archaeologist Magdi Shakir in the Turkish daily newspaper Daily Sabah. “Now, each theme is presented in a panoramic narrative. Every object in the Grand Egyptian Museum follows a unique curatorial story, offering a fresh perspective on even the most familiar pieces—creating an unprecedented experience.”
The new concept aims to provide visitors with a broader understanding of the historical context rather than focusing solely on individual objects, weaving narratives of power, daily life, and beliefs across various dynasties.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly affirmed in the Egyptian magazine Amwal Al Ghad that the museum will bolster Egypt’s status as a global cultural destination. Its close proximity to the renowned Giza Pyramids is undoubtedly a significant advantage—tourists flocking to the pyramids are unlikely to miss the museum. Egyptologist Mustafa Al-Waziri described the GEM in an interview with Nile FM as “an icon, celebrating Egypt’s rich heritage and reinforcing its status as a premier cultural and tourist destination.”
Not only will the GEM create new tourism opportunities—anticipating five to eight million visitors annually—but it will also advance scientific research. The museum houses one of the world’s most modern restoration facilities and a research center equipped with specialized laboratories for mummies, wood, metal, and stone.
In response to the climate crisis, the building’s design incorporates strict ecological considerations, featuring passive cooling, optimized lighting, and recycling systems. The complex is projected to consume up to 60% less energy and 34% less water than comparable conventional buildings. It includes its own solar power plant, a reflective roof, and external sun shading, with its orientation allowing for natural cooling through wind. In 2024, it received the EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification for its sustainable design and construction practices.
Despite its ambitious vision, the project has stirred some controversy. The Financial Times reports that construction costs have exceeded $1 billion (approximately €920 million), funded in part by Japanese loans, government resources, and income from international exhibitions.
Critics have voiced concerns over the lengthy construction timeline and question whether such a significant investment is justified in a nation grappling with pressing social and economic issues. Some argue that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is emblematic of a centralized tourism strategy that may culturally and economically marginalize other regions of Egypt.
Political dynamics also play a role, as President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi chairs the board of trustees responsible for the museum’s strategic direction and operations. The board’s chairman is Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy.
Nonetheless, for many Egyptians, the GEM represents a powerful symbol — a revival of national identity. It is already being hailed as the country’s new cultural landmark, where Egypt’s rich history converges with cutting-edge restoration technology. For those eager to witness the grand opening, the event will be streamed live on the Grand Egyptian Museum’s TikTok channel on November 1 at 6 PM local time.
