After two decades of construction, Egypt on Saturday inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) during a grand ceremony held near the pyramids and the Sphinx.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi officially inaugurated the colossal museum complex on the Giza Plateau in a ceremony attended by 79 delegations from around the world, including heads of state, members of royal families, and government officials.
In his speech, al-Sisi hailed the opening of the museum as "a living testament to the genius of the Egyptian people."
"The Egyptian people were and still are builders of civilizations, creators of glory, and messengers of peace," he said, describing the opening of the GEM as "writing a new chapter in the history of the present and the future."
Spanning nearly 500,000 square meters, the museum will house an unprecedented collection of over 100,000 artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history. Its undisputed centerpiece is the complete collection of the boy-king Tutankhamun -- some 5,992 pieces -- including his iconic golden mask and two coffins. This priceless collection will be displayed together for the first time since the discovery of his tomb in 1922.
"The full impressive collection of King Tutankhamen is displayed in one place for the first time, in a 7,500-square-meter hall. All artifacts in the museum are displayed with the latest technology to make it a more impressive experience for visitors. The first King Khufu boat is displayed as a complete boat, and the second King Khufu boat will be assembled by curators in front of the visitors. You won't see this anywhere in the world," said Eissa Zidan, general director of Conservation Projects of the GEM.
The museum occupies a symbolically significant site on the Giza Plateau, where the ancient pyramids are located, offering panoramic views of the pyramids and forging a direct connection between these ancient wonders and the new monumental cultural institution.
The inauguration ceremony, staged in the museum courtyard with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx as a backdrop, featured cultural events and artistic performances celebrating Egypt's rich heritage. Festivities included musical performances, a light show, and a fireworks display.
The GEM is expected to act as a major catalyst for Egypt's vital tourism sector, with officials anticipating a substantial annual influx of visitors that will significantly enhance the country's tourism revenue.
"We're not providing a visit. We're providing an experience and that starts by the Grand stairs we're standing on, which tells a story. We're using a lot of technology, we're providing a lot of recreational areas, including restaurants and shopping areas dedicated only to heritage," said the museum's CEO, Ahmed Ghoneim.
Construction of the museum began in 2005, but the project faced numerous delays over the years due to political instability and funding challenges. Now complete, the facility blends modern architectural design with elements inspired by ancient Egypt, featuring spacious halls and state-of-the-art display technologies.
The museum complex is set to officially open to the public on Nov. 4.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) debuts near pyramids,with Tutankhamun's complete collection on display in one hall
