Cairo has officially unveiled the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental institution celebrating Egypt’s ancient civilisation while aiming to boost tourism and revitalize the nation’s economy. The grand opening, held on Saturday near the iconic Giza Pyramids, drew world leaders, monarchs, and heads of state to witness what the Egyptian presidency described as “an exceptional event in the history of human culture and civilisation.”

A Two-Decade Project Showcasing Ancient Egyptian Heritage

The Grand Egyptian Museum has been two decades in the making. Covering 24,000 square metres (258,000 square feet) of permanent exhibition space, the museum houses massive statues, intricate artefacts, and treasures spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history.

Two specially dedicated halls showcase the full collection of King Tutankhamun, featuring 5,000 artefacts displayed together for the first time since the tomb’s discovery in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter in Luxor. The museum’s twelve main galleries, opened last year for limited previews, present Egyptian antiquities from prehistoric times to the Roman era, organised thematically and chronologically.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi highlighted the museum’s significance on social media: “The museum brings together the genius of ancient Egyptians and the creativity of modern Egyptians, enhancing world culture and art with a new landmark that will attract all those who cherish civilisation and knowledge.”

Mega-Project and Economic Impact

The GEM is part of President el-Sisi’s wider megaprojects since 2014, aimed at reviving Egypt’s economy through infrastructure and cultural investments. The museum, costing approximately $1 billion, faced multiple delays due to political instability and was finally completed after years of careful preparation.

The government has upgraded the surrounding area, including new roads, a metro station near the museum, and the newly opened Sphinx International Airport, just 40 minutes away from the site. Visitors can also travel between the museum and the pyramids via a pedestrian bridge or electric vehicles, providing seamless access to the world-famous archaeological complex.

Architectural Grandeur and Visitor Experience

Visitors entering the GEM are greeted by a grand six-storey atrium staircase, lined with ancient statues, leading to the main exhibition galleries and offering panoramic views of the Giza Pyramids. The museum blends modern architecture with ancient aesthetics, making it not only a repository of history but also a cultural experience designed to captivate tourists and scholars alike.

Tourism and Economic Prospects

Egypt’s tourism sector, a vital source of foreign currency, contributed approximately 8% of the GDP in 2024, with 15.7 million tourists visiting the country. Authorities aim to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2032, with the Grand Egyptian Museum expected to be a major draw for both domestic and international travelers.

The museum opens to the public from Tuesday, November 4, 2025, promising an immersive journey through Egypt’s rich heritage, from monumental statues and pharaonic relics to treasures of King Tutankhamun.

Significance for Global Culture

The GEM is not only a showcase of Egyptian history but a global cultural landmark, highlighting the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilizations while providing modern Egyptians with a platform to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of their heritage.