After two decades of development, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has officially opened, offering visitors an unparalleled experience of ancient Egypt's rich history. The museum, located near the Pyramids of Giza, provides an exciting look at thousands of artifacts and is set to become the world’s largest archaeological museum.
A Sneak Peek into Ancient Egypt’s Rich History
The GEM kicked off its opening in October with a trial phase, revealing 12 main galleries filled with approximately 15,000 items. Among these treasures are a towering 36-foot statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, canopic jars still containing mummified organs, 3,000-year-old school boards with notes and math exercises, and beautifully crafted sarcophaguses. The museum also displays stone slabs known as stelas, engraved with government decrees in hieroglyphs.
The museum’s collection represents just a small portion of its vast holdings. Once fully operational, it will house more than 100,000 artifacts, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world. The complex spans 50 hectares, about the size of 93 American football fields, and includes both permanent and rotating galleries, a research facility, and a dedicated Egyptology library.
A Journey Through 3,000 Years of Egyptian History
The museum’s design is inspired by the geometric forms of the pyramids, providing an immersive experience that takes visitors through Egypt’s 3,000-year history. The exhibit begins with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 B.C. and culminates with the Roman conquest in 30 B.C., marking the fall of Egypt’s ancient empire.
Eltayeb Abbas, assistant minister of tourism and antiquities for archaeological affairs, describes the GEM’s galleries as an extraordinary journey. They offer an in-depth look into the daily lives, beliefs, and leadership of ancient Egyptians.
Three Key Themes: Religion, Kingship, and Society
The museum’s galleries are organized around three main themes: religion, kingship, and society. They are further divided into historical periods, including the Predynastic, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, Late Kingdom, Ptolemaic (Greek) Egypt, and the Roman era.
One of the most eagerly awaited exhibits is the New Kingdom galleries, which will showcase the full collection of 5,000 artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. For the first time, his famous golden funerary mask and other treasures will be displayed together, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the iconic items in their entirety.
A Long Journey to Completion
Construction on the GEM began in 2005, but the project faced multiple delays due to economic challenges, political instability, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the museum is now ready to open a new chapter in Egyptology, bringing the ancient world back to life for visitors around the globe.
As the GEM continues to expand and reveal even more treasures, it promises to be a central hub for understanding the grandeur of ancient Egypt and the cultural legacy it left behind.
