After $1bn and 20 Years, Grand Egyptian Museum Finally Opens Its Doors

Cairo, Egypt: After more than two decades of planning, construction, and anticipation, Egypt has officially opened the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a $1 billion cultural landmark now regarded as the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation.

Located just one mile from the Pyramids of Giza, the vast complex spans 470,000 square metres, combining modern architecture, advanced technology, and millennia of history to create a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

A Monumental Project Two Decades in the Making

Originally announced in 1992, the Grand Egyptian Museum broke ground in 2005 but faced repeated delays due to political shifts, funding challenges, and regional instability. Following a limited soft opening in 2024, the museum now fully opens to the public, a milestone moment that Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and global dignitaries are expected to mark at an official ceremony near the Giza Plateau.

Built at a cost exceeding USD 1 billion, the museum represents one of Egypt’s most ambitious cultural investments, designed not just as a repository of artefacts but as a gateway between ancient history and modern innovation.

“It is a gift from Egypt to the world and we are proud to finally share it,” said Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.

Home to 50,000 Artefacts, Including Ramesses II and Khufu’s Boat

The museum will house more than 50,000 artefacts, many never before displayed. Among its star attractions are the 83-ton, 3,200-year-old colossus of Ramesses II, which greets visitors in the grand atrium, and the 4,500-year-old solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, the legendary builder of the Great Pyramid.

Twelve vast galleries trace Egypt’s story from prehistoric times through the Roman era, organised by theme and chronology. The facility also includes a children’s museum, conference halls, conservation laboratories, and 24,000 square metres of permanent exhibition space, making it one of the most technologically advanced museums in the region.

Many of its artefacts were transferred from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, while others were recently excavated from sites such as Saqqara, home to Egypt’s oldest stone pyramids.

Merging Heritage and Technology

Beyond its immense scale, the Grand Egyptian Museum redefines how visitors experience history. Its galleries use mixed-reality presentations, interactive projections, and multimedia storytelling to immerse guests in Egypt’s cultural legacy.

“We’re using the language that Gen Z uses,” said Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the museum. “Gen Z doesn’t read labels like older generations — they prefer technology. We’re meeting them where they are.”

A new pedestrian walkway now connects the museum directly to the Giza Pyramids, with evening firework shows and live performances planned to celebrate its grand opening.

A Tourism and Economic Catalyst

The GEM’s launch comes as Egypt intensifies efforts to revive its tourism sector, a key pillar of the national economy. The country recorded 15.7 million visitors in 2024 and aims to double that number by 2032.

The museum forms part of a broader national infrastructure drive that includes a new airport near Giza and an expanding metro network in Cairo. Officials hope the museum’s global allure will encourage longer stays and increased visitor spending, generating much-needed foreign currency inflows.

Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, which oversees the museum’s operations, said the venue is ready to welcome 15,000–20,000 visitors per day.

“The world has been waiting, everyone’s excited,” he said.

Despite recent incidents of theft at other archaeological facilities, Egyptian authorities have tightened security protocols across all heritage sites, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the country’s invaluable treasures.

A New Era for Egypt’s Cultural Legacy

More than just a museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum represents Egypt’s effort to reclaim its place as the world’s cultural capital, blending the grandeur of its past with a forward-looking vision of innovation and education.

For millions of visitors expected to arrive in the coming years, GEM is not only a celebration of Egypt’s history, it’s a powerful symbol of resilience, rebirth, and timeless heritage.