Years of waiting are over. The public can now step inside the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as it officially starts welcoming guests. People worldwide eagerly anticipated this major archaeological project.
A Monumental Structure in Giza
Bordering the sands of the Giza desert, the Grand Egyptian Museum is located. It is a huge tribute to history. Workers built it over many years. They used local stone for its construction.
Setbacks and Delays
This iconic project faced many challenges. Ground issues and lack of funds caused problems. Political obstacles and the pandemic also delayed it. Its opening became a long story, lasting over two decades.
Proximity to the Pyramids
The New York Times reports the GEM is just over a mile from the Great Pyramid. This close location links the museum and the ancient pyramids. This connection is not just about location. It also relates to their complex and massive construction. The undertaking of constructing the Great Pyramid consumed a timeframe approximating 25 years. The museum’s development time is similar, taking more than 20 years.
Years of Unfulfilled Promises
Since 2012, officials have announced several opening plans. However, they quickly canceled them for various reasons. As time passed, tourists grew less hopeful about visiting. Many international travelers reportedly canceled Cairo trips. They felt frustrated by repeated postponements. Social media users often made sarcastic comments. Some joked they might “be resting underground longer than Pharaoh Tutankhamun” by the time it opened.
Partial Opening in February
Finally, the long wait ended. Beginning around the middle of February, the main zones within the Grand Egyptian Museum have been in a state of readiness for their first visitors. Presently, eleven of the twelve planned thematic halls are finalized and available for exploration by the public. Furthermore, the expansive grand hall and the impressive staircase are also operational. These areas display many valuable ancient items.
Key Attractions Still to Come
However, the gallery for Tutankhamun’s treasures is still closed. This gallery will house over 5,000 artifacts. The area showing the royal boats found near the pyramids in 1954 is also not yet open. The expectation is that these outstanding sections will reach their finished state by the summer of 2025. The official commencement for the grand opening is anticipated on the third of July. Yet, some people still doubt this timeline.
Impressive Initial Exhibits
Despite not being fully complete, the open areas of the museum are already striking. Archaeology lovers will find much to admire. Just inside the entrance is a huge statue of Pharaoh Ramses II. It is over 30 feet tall and weighs more than 80 tons. This red granite masterpiece has a dramatic past. It was once in six pieces. For five decades, it was located in a Cairo roundabout until its relocation to the museum in 2006.
The Grand Staircase and Pyramid View
Starting in the grand hall, visitors are able to go up the grand staircase. Ancient columns, sarcophagi, and statues line its sides. Upon reaching the highest level, one is greeted by a magnificent spectacle of the three Giza pyramids. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide this “million-dollar view.” Modern museums rarely offer such a sight.
Diverse Collections Through Time
The exhibits are organized by time and topic. They range from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Notable items include blue ushabti figures. These were meant to serve the dead. There is also a huge crocodile mummy. A remarkably preserved 3,100-year-old wig made of real human hair is another highlight. This particular element establishes a connection between the current era and the remote past.
Cairo’s Museum Triangle Completed
The GEM’s opening completes Cairo’s “museum triangle.” This also includes the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The royal mummy collection is located within its walls, and it opened in 2021. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square constitutes the third component. Currently, the Grand Egyptian Museum holds the distinction of being the world’s largest archaeological museum. Its focus is dedicated to the marvels of ancient Egyptian civilization.
