The Grand Egyptian Museum: A New Era for Cultural Heritage
The Giza plateau is welcoming a major new player in the world of cultural heritage this week: the Grand Egyptian Museum. After two decades of construction and multiple delays, the museum is finally opening its doors.
A Long-Awaited Project
The project, launched in 2002, was initially scheduled to be completed in 2012. However, the international financial crisis, the 2011 political upheaval, and the pandemic have all contributed to repeated delays. With a budget of nearly one billion euros, this is the largest cultural investment ever undertaken by modern Egypt.
A Contemporary Design Inspired by Ancient Geometry
Located just three kilometers from the pyramids, the museum's architecture features a contemporary design inspired by pharaonic geometry. The building, designed by the Heneghan Peng agency, boasts a large inclined plaza, a triangular facade in light stone, and vast interior spaces. The entrance is marked by the presence of a restored statue of Ramses II.
A New Home for Egypt's National Collections
The entire national collection dedicated to ancient Egypt has been reorganized and relocated to the new museum. Artifacts previously stored in Tahrir Square, as well as those from archaeological reserves, are now housed in this new complex. The former Cairo museum will be repurposed to focus on the history of Egyptology.
A Unique Exhibition: The Tomb of Tutankhamun
The Grand Egyptian Museum is the first institution in the world to exhibit all the objects discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. Over 5,000 pieces, including the golden funerary mask, will be on display in a dedicated exhibit exploring the life, reign, and funerary practices of the young pharaoh.
A Hub for Conservation and Research
Beyond the public galleries, the complex includes a large conservation center and laboratories dedicated to scientific missions. Archaeologists, restorers, and heritage specialists are already working on fragile ensembles that have not yet been presented to the public.
A New Era for Cultural Heritage and Tourism
With the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt aims to strengthen its role in preserving ancient heritage while boosting its tourist appeal. Located in close proximity to the pyramids, this new institution aspires to become an international museum reference point, at the crossroads of research, cultural mediation, and tourism economy.
