Egypt Opens World’s Largest Museum Celebrating a Single Civilization
Cairo is set to inaugurate the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), heralded as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. This landmark project aims to enhance Egypt’s tourism sector and showcase the rich heritage of ancient Egypt. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, with attendance expected from various world leaders, including monarchs and heads of states.
Key Features of the Grand Egyptian Museum
Located near the Giza Plateau, which is home to the iconic pyramids and the Sphinx, the museum has been in development for nearly two decades. It aims to draw tourists to revive a vital sector of Egypt’s economy, which has faced challenges since the 2011 Arab Spring. The GEM is a crucial part of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s efforts to stimulate investment and infrastructure growth.
Exhibition Highlights
The museum houses over 50,000 artifacts that illuminate various aspects of ancient Egyptian life. Among these are items from the tomb of King Tutankhamun, displayed in their entirety for the first time since their discovery in 1922. Notable pieces include:
- Three funeral beds
- Six chariots
- A golden throne
- A gold-covered sarcophagus
- King Tut’s burial mask made from gold, quartzite, and lapis lazuli
Accessibility and Infrastructure Improvements
To enhance visitor access, significant infrastructure upgrades have been made around the museum. This includes:
- Paved roads
- A metro station under construction near the museum
- The opening of Sphinx International Airport, located about 40 minutes away
Economic Impact and Visitor Goals
The Egyptian government anticipates that the museum will attract a growing number of tourists. In 2024, a record 15.7 million tourists visited Egypt, contributing approximately 8% to the national GDP. By 2032, officials aim to increase annual tourist numbers to 30 million.
The Grand Egyptian Museum will officially open its doors to the public on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment for Egypt’s cultural and economic landscape. With its vast exhibition space and magnificent architecture, the GEM is poised to become a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism revival.
