Egypt's $1B Grand Museum opens doors after 2 decades
What's the story
Egypt has inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a $1 billion project that took 20 years to complete. The museum, located near the Pyramids of Giza, is said to be "a gift from Egypt to the world." The facility houses over 100,000 artifacts spanning seven millennia of history. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi described it as a "living testament to the genius of the Egyptian."
Inaugural event
A star-studded affair
The museum's opening ceremony was a star-studded affair with royals and government officials from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The event featured fireworks, orchestral music, actors in ancient Egyptian garb, and filmed interludes from major cities like Paris, New York, and Rio de Janeiro. El-Sisi placed a final stone to illuminate the museum's halls during this grand celebration.
Tourism boost
GEM to boost Egypt's tourism
The GEM is expected to triple its daily visitors from 5,000-6,000 to about 15,000. This would make it one of the most visited cultural institutions globally. Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said the museum will "serve as a catalyst for Egypt's broader tourism ecosystem." The country hopes to attract 30 million annual arrivals by 2031 with new hotels and revamped attractions.
Architectural details
More on the museum
The GEM was designed by Heneghan Peng Architects to resemble the nearby pyramids with its triangular elements. Most of its funding, around $800 million, came from Japan in soft loans. The museum will replace Cairo Museum as Egypt's main repository for Pharaonic heritage. It features interactive displays, shops, restaurants, and conference rooms for business gatherings.
Eco-friendly initiatives
Eco-friendly features and streamlined visitor experience
The GEM boasts environmentally friendly features like energy-efficient lighting and smart meters for real-time power consumption monitoring. To avoid past logistical mistakes, international advisers were hired to streamline visitor experience at the museum. A $30 million revamp on the nearby Giza plateau aims to make visits to the ancient pyramids hassle-free.