Cairo: With a captivating view of the iconic Giza Pyramids and sprawling over an expansive 500,000 meters, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is poised to open its doors as the world's largest museum. This monumental edifice promises to be a cultural treasure trove, telling the unique story of Egypt's ancient civilization.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the concept of the Grand Egyptian Museum was conceived in the 1970s, with the ceremonial cornerstone laid in 2002. Construction began in 2005, strategically positioned near the Pyramids. The design contract was awarded to Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng in 2003 after a rigorous international competition, with contributions from a team of 300 individuals across 13 companies in six countries.
The project's initial budget was approximately USD 500 million; however, due to various delays and changes, the cost has escalated to over USD 1 billion. Financial backing was provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through official development aid loans totaling 84.2 billion Japanese yen (approximately USD 800 million).
Completed in 2021, the GEM stands as a testament to modern engineering and cultural preservation. It is set to house around 100,000 ancient artifacts, including 4,549 items from the tomb of Tutankhamun, making it a global hub for enthusiasts of Egyptian history. The museum expects to draw approximately 15,000 visitors daily, tripling the attendance of the current museum.
Designed to safeguard Egypt's cultural heritage, the GEM will also host temporary and permanent exhibitions as well as cultural and scientific events aimed at increasing public awareness of Egyptian civilization. A trial run has already seen the opening of 12 exhibition halls focused on ancient Egypt, as final preparations for the official opening are underway.
The Egyptian government is working diligently to finalize arrangements for the museum's public opening on July 3. Mohammad Al-Homosani, the Egyptian Cabinet spokesman, confirmed to KUNA that preparations are being expedited to meet this deadline. Dignitaries from around the world, including kings, presidents, and emirs, have been invited to the opening ceremony.
Efforts are also focused on enhancing the infrastructure surrounding the museum, including corridors and main roads, to create a cohesive touristic destination that integrates the GEM with the Giza Pyramids. The museum's operations will adhere to international standards, reinforcing its status as a leading global tourist attraction.
Dr. Mohammad Ghoneim, a professor of artifact restoration and conservation, emphasized the necessity of a modern museum to showcase and preserve Egypt's historic collections. He noted the GEM's strategic location on the Giza Plateau as a culturally significant choice, providing a platform for the display of Tutankhamun's tomb for the first time since its 1922 discovery.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is envisioned as a cultural and civilizational beacon, poised to enhance both domestic and international tourism, generate employment, and boost Egypt's foreign exchange reserves.