World’s Largest Archaeological Museum to Open in November in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt – August 23, 2025 - After two decades of anticipation and nearly USD 1 billion in investment, Egypt has officially set November 1, 2025, as the opening date for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Situated just two kilometers from the Great Pyramids of Giza, the museum is designed to be the largest cultural institution in the world devoted to a single civilization.

A Long-Awaited Opening

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly confirmed the November 1 opening date, stressing that the decision has the approval of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The announcement ends years of speculation and multiple delays surrounding the landmark project.

The GEM occupies a sprawling 50-hectare site on Cairo’s western edge, overlooking the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Its centerpiece is a monumental atrium, anchored by the 83-ton statue of Ramesses II, relocated from central Cairo to preside over the entrance.

A sweeping Grand Staircase will guide visitors chronologically through Egypt’s dynastic history, featuring statues and reliefs spanning more than 7,000 years.

Collections and Artifacts

The museum will house over 100,000 artifacts, with 20,000 items displayed for the first time. Among the most anticipated exhibitions is the complete Tutankhamun collection, an assemblage of 5,398 objects, including the boy pharaoh’s golden mask, chariots, and funerary treasures. This marks the first time the full collection will be shown together since Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery.

Other highlights include:

• The second solar boat of Khufu, restored at a cost of USD 5 million.
• The treasures of Queen Hetepheres, mother of Khufu.
• The collections of Yuya and Tuyu, Tutankhamun’s great-grandparents.

A dedicated 7,500-square-meter Tutankhamun Hall will serve as a centerpiece, offering an immersive look at the pharaoh’s life, death, and afterlife.

The November 1 opening will begin with a VIP ceremony attended by heads of state, dignitaries, and international cultural leaders. Public access will follow on November 4, 2025, a date chosen to coincide with the 103rd anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Overcoming Delays

The project has endured setbacks due to political upheaval, the COVID-19 pandemic, and regional conflicts. Egyptian officials, however, have expressed confidence that the museum is finally ready for its official debut, marking the culmination of one of the most ambitious cultural projects in modern history.

Architectural and Engineering Vision

The Grand Egyptian Museum spans 500,000 square meters in total, with 167,000 square meters of built-up space and 81,000 square meters of exhibition areas. Its design accommodates permanent and temporary galleries, a dedicated children’s museum, immersive virtual installations, and digital theaters.

The architectural concept was developed by Heneghan Peng Architects, selected through a global competition. Engineering expertise has been provided by Arup and Buro Happold, while construction was executed by a joint venture between Egypt’s Orascom Construction and Belgium’s BESIX.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The GEM is expected to provide a significant boost to Egypt’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the national economy. Officials anticipate the museum will attract millions of visitors annually, strengthening Egypt’s global position as a cultural and historical hub.

Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum, described the project as:

“a state-of-the-art cultural hub” that will reshape Egypt’s global image.