A massive $1bn museum, touted as the largest archaeological facility dedicated to a single civilization in the world, is set to open on the outskirts of Cairo on Saturday after facing numerous delays during its two-decade-long construction. The Grand Egyptian Museum, located just a mile away from the iconic pyramids of Giza, spans an impressive 470,000 square meters. Although the project was initially announced in 1992, construction only commenced in 2005, with some sections of the museum opening in a soft launch in 2024.
The museum will be home to over 50,000 artifacts, including an 83-ton, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramesses II and a 4,500-year-old boat once owned by Khufu, the pharaoh credited with constructing the pyramids. Featuring 24,000 square meters of permanent exhibition space, a children’s museum, conference and educational facilities, a commercial area, and a vast conservation center, the museum’s 12 main galleries have been open since last year, showcasing antiquities from prehistoric eras to the Roman period.
CEO of the museum, Ahmed Ghoneim, highlighted the advanced technology integrated into the halls, offering multimedia presentations like mixed-reality shows to blend ancient heritage with modern creativity, catering to younger generations. The opening ceremony, initially postponed multiple times, is expected to be attended by world leaders and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The museum is part of Egypt’s larger infrastructure plans, including a new metro system and an airport that began operations in 2020.
Beyond being a testament to Egypt’s ancient past, the museum is a strategic investment in cultural tourism for the African nation’s economy, aiming to attract more visitors following disruptions from events like the Arab spring and the COVID-19 pandemic. Egyptian authorities predict an increase in tourists, with an official goal of doubling the 15.7 million visitors in 2024 by 2032. As a potential economic driver, the museum is expected to draw between 15,000 to 20,000 visitors daily, boosting foreign currency inflow.
The museum, managed by Hassan Allam Holding, hopes to position Egypt as a premier cultural destination, sharing its rich history with the world. The opening comes amidst concerns about artifact theft following recent incidents, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures in safeguarding Egypt’s valuable historical treasures. With global anticipation building, the museum is poised to captivate visitors worldwide, showcasing Egypt’s enduring legacy.
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