Egypt Unveils World’s Largest Museum dedicated to Single Civilisation

Cairo, Nov 1 (AP) Egypt is set to inaugurate the Grand Egyptian Museum on Saturday, a project two decades in the making. Located near Cairo on the Giza Plateau, the museum will house over 50,000 artefacts showcasing ancient Egyptian life. World leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend the grand opening ceremony, hailed by the Egyptian presidency as a significant event in human culture and civilisation.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has spearheaded the museum as part of his infrastructure investment initiatives to strengthen the country’s economy post the 2011 Arab Spring. Preparations for the museum’s reveal have been carried out in secrecy, with the site closed for the past two weeks. The facility faced multiple delays since construction began in 2005 but now boasts an imposing triangular glass facade mirroring the nearby pyramids.

The museum’s 12 main galleries are organised by era and theme, with two halls dedicated to King Tutankhamun’s collection. Displaying 5,000 artefacts, including Tutankhamun’s iconic burial mask and golden throne, the museum aims to attract more tourists to Egypt and boost the economy. With Egypt welcoming 15.7 million tourists in 2024, contributing 8% to the country’s GDP, the government’s goal is to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2032.

Egypt has made significant investment in the museum’s surrounding areas, paving roads and constructing a metro station for better access. The Sphinx International Airport, located 40 minutes away, aims to facilitate tourist arrivals. The museum features 24,000 square meters of exhibition space and a grand staircase flanked by ancient statues, leading to the main galleries and a view of the pyramids.

With the museum’s unveiling, Egypt hopes to recover its tourism sector, which has struggled with political unrest and the impact of the pandemic and international conflicts. The government believes that showcasing Egypt’s rich history and cultural heritage will attract more visitors who will contribute to the economy. The museum will open to the public on Tuesday, welcoming tourists to explore the treasures of ancient Egypt.