A New Era of Culture and Heritage Begins in Cairo
Egypt has officially opened the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a $1 billion cultural landmark located near the iconic Pyramids of Giza. The grand inauguration ceremony, held on Saturday, was attended by world leaders, presidents, and royalty, marking the completion of a monumental project that has been two decades in the making.
The GEM is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, showcasing Egypt’s rich history through an extensive collection of ancient artifacts. Construction of the museum faced multiple delays over the years due to the Arab Spring uprisings, regional conflicts, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared that the opening of the museum is “a new chapter in the story of this ancient nation’s present and future.” The dazzling event featured laser shows, fireworks, and performances inspired by pharaonic traditions, captivating guests and spectators alike.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly described the museum as “a gift from Egypt to the world,” emphasizing the country’s deep historical legacy spanning over 7,000 years. The event drew high-profile attendees including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, and the Crown Princes of Oman and Bahrain.
Among the most celebrated displays is the complete collection of treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb, including the boy-king’s golden mask, throne, and sarcophagus, alongside thousands of other precious items. Visitors are also greeted by a colossal statue of Ramses II, now standing proudly in the museum’s grand entrance hall.
Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum covers 120 acres—roughly the size of Vatican City—and was largely financed through Japanese development loans. Its sleek, pyramid-inspired architecture symbolizes modernity while honoring Egypt’s ancient past.
Officials hope the GEM will revive tourism and strengthen Egypt’s position as a global cultural hub. The museum’s opening also aims to counter past criticism over the preservation of antiquities, especially following incidents at the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, which suffered looting during the 2011 uprising.
The new complex, described by Al-Ahram Weekly as “a philosophy as much as it is a building,” represents Egypt’s cultural sovereignty and authenticity, standing as a proud response to Western institutions like the Louvre and British Museum.
