Egypt on Saturday officially inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the pyramids and the Sphinx, marking a landmark cultural achievement after nearly two decades of construction. The museum, the world’s largest dedicated to a single civilization, was unveiled at a grand ceremony attended by 79 delegations, including heads of state, royal family members, and government officials.

President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi hailed the opening as “a living testament to the genius of the Egyptian people,” calling the GEM a symbol of Egypt’s enduring legacy as builders of civilization, creators of glory, and messengers of peace. He described the museum’s inauguration as “writing a new chapter in the history of the present and the future.”

Spanning nearly 500,000 square meters, the GEM will house over 100,000 artifacts covering thousands of years of Egyptian history. Its centerpiece is the complete collection of the boy-king Tutankhamun — some 5,992 pieces, including his iconic golden mask and two coffins — displayed together for the first time since the discovery of his tomb in 1922.

The museum occupies a strategic site on the Giza Plateau, offering panoramic views of the ancient pyramids and creating a direct link between Egypt’s ancient wonders and the new cultural landmark.

The inauguration featured a range of cultural events, including musical performances, light shows, and fireworks, celebrating the country’s rich heritage. Officials said the GEM is expected to be a major boost for Egypt’s tourism sector, attracting large numbers of visitors and significantly increasing tourism revenue.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the museum will “completely change the map of cultural tourism in Egypt and significantly aid the tourism industry.” GEM CEO Ahmed Ghoneim described the facility as “Egypt’s gift to the world,” highlighting how it combines heritage with modern exhibition techniques to enhance the visitor experience.

Construction of the museum began in 2005 but faced delays due to political instability and funding challenges. Now complete, the GEM blends contemporary architecture with design elements inspired by ancient Egypt, featuring spacious halls and state-of-the-art display technologies.

The museum is scheduled to open to the public on November 4.

Source: Xinhua