Egypt Museum’s Ambitious Grand Opening Draws Attention

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza has opened its doors to the public after a $1 billion construction project lasting over 20 years. Situated near the Giza pyramid complex, the museum is described as the world’s largest dedicated to a single civilization, housing a vast collection of Egyptian artifacts. For the first time since Howard Carter’s discovery in 1922, over 5,000 items from King Tutankhamun’s tomb will be exhibited. The museum’s opening was delayed due to various factors, including political upheavals and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opulent inauguration ceremony featured a dramatic display with suspended performers, drones, and operatic performances. The GEM partially opened to visitors in 2024, showcasing treasures such as a statue and obelisk of Ramesses II among its 100,000-item collection spanning Ancient Egyptian through Greek and Roman periods.

Archaeologist Zahi Hawass, who once served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, expressed ambitions for artifact repatriation, targeting items like the Rosetta Stone and the Bust of Nefertiti held in European museums. Echoing this sentiment, an article from state-owned Ahram Online asserted the museum as an authentic narrative of Egyptian history, countering the imperial origins of Western institutions.

Additionally, amid the museum’s opening, concerns about animal welfare linked to tourism in the area surfaced as PETA urged Egyptian officials to create refuges for working animals. The GEM stands as a pivotal cultural milestone, redefining how Egypt shares its historical legacy with the world.