Cairo is preparing to reveal the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, an ambitious project that Egypt hopes will celebrate the country’s rich heritage while also stimulating its struggling economy and tourism sector. The museum’s grand opening ceremony in Cairo is expected to be attended by world leaders, monarchs, and heads of state and government. Described as a significant event in human culture and civilisation by the Egyptian presidency, the museum will house massive statues and historical artefacts across 24,000 square meters of exhibition space near the Giza Pyramids.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi highlighted the museum as a testament to the genius of ancient Egyptians and the creativity of modern Egyptians, aiming to enhance world culture and art. The museum is part of several large-scale projects championed by el-Sisi to boost the economy following the Arab Spring in 2011. Preparations for the opening have been kept under wraps, with heightened security and the declaration of a public holiday. The revamping of the museum area and Giza Plateau, along with infrastructure developments, aims to attract more tourists.
The $1 billion facility faced delays due to political instability, beginning construction in 2005. The museum’s galleries cover antiquities from prehistoric to Roman times, with two halls dedicated to King Tutankhamun’s 5,000 artefacts. By showcasing these treasures for the first time, Egypt aims to attract more tourists and strengthen the economy. The government’s goal is to draw 30 million visitors annually by 2032, with the museum opening to the public on Tuesday to kickstart this initiative.
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