The Grand Egyptian Museum: Egypt's gift to the World

Egypt Hayam Aladly Jun 11 2024

If you are a fan of Egyptology or are planning on traveling to Egypt in the near future, you will no doubt have heard of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the Giza Museum, is the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. It is located at the edge of the first desert plateau on 117 acres of land, about 2 kilometers from the Giza pyramid complex. This Museum is one of the mega national projects that are considered to be a great addition to Egyptian tourism and international cultural and media tourism. Its strategic location near the Giza Pyramids adds to its impact, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of both the ancient and modern worlds in one trip. It acts as the intersection between modernity and antiquity given the global interest in Pharaonic history which goes back to over 5000 years of civilization that will focus on the history of Ancient Egypt from Prehistory to the Greco-Roman period.

The Road to Completion

Over the years, the journey to the completion of the Grand Egyptian Museum has faced many challenges, meaning the opening has been pushed back multiple times. For the architect plans, a competition was held by the Egyptian government in January of 2002, in which Heneghan Peng from Dublin, an architectural firm won fair and square with its modern designs. In 2006, the 3,200-year-old Statue of Ramesses II was relocated from Ramses Square in Cairo to the Grand Egyptian Museum site, near the Giza Plateau. In late August 2008, the design team submitted over 5,000 drawings to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. Following this, the construction tender was announced in October 2008.

As the outbreak of the Arab Spring reached Egypt in early 2011, work on the project ground to a halt as the country experienced several years of unfortunate political instability and uncertainty. In January 2018, Egypt's Orascom Construction (OC) and the Belgian BESIX brought in and installed an 82-ton, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II in the atrium of the Grand Egyptian Museum. It was the first artifact to be installed in the Museum, during construction, due to its size. Then in May 2018, the last of King Tutankhamun's chariots was moved to GEM.

The museum announced in 2018 that it would finally open in the last quarter of 2020. But in April 2020, the museum's planned opening was pushed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2023, the Grand Egyptian Museum was opened (limited access). It is now available for private tours before its official opening later this year.

The Architectural Design of the GEM

The Grand Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and a stunning architectural masterpiece as it pays homage to Egypt's rich history and culture, blending traditional elements with modern aesthetics. Designed by the acclaimed Dublin-based architectural firm Heneghan Peng, the museum sprawls over 490,000 square meters. Its design was inspired by the shape of a chamfered triangle, resembling the great pyramids of Giza, and a translucent stone wall that captures the essence of the Egyptian desert.

The building's north and south walls line up directly with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The front of the museum includes a large plaza filled with date palms and a façade made of translucent alabaster stone which is one of the key elements that give a strong iconic status to the Grand Egyptian Museum when viewed from afar. Also, the museum's exterior is clad in limestone and glass, contrasting the ancient and contemporary. The limestone reflects the color and texture of the nearby pyramids, seamlessly integrating the museum into its surroundings. The large glass windows and skylights allow natural light to flood the interior spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is also a cultural hub that includes a children's museum and conservation, restoration, storage, research, and museum education facilities. GEM is designed to be an entertaining, cultural, and touristic destination, offering large areas available for investment, including a conference center, modern cinema theater, restaurants overlooking the Pyramids, food courts, cafeterias, a multifunctional building and gardens hosting year-round events and activities overlooking the Giza Plateau. It boasts a spacious and modern shopping area, perfect for those looking to take home a piece of Egypt. Visitors can explore many shops that offer souvenirs, replicas of ancient artifacts, books, jewelry, and more. Whether you're looking for a small keepsake or a unique gift, you'll likely find it at the museum's shopping area.

The Grand Egyptian Museum Contents

Encompassing a massive 490,000 square meters, the Grand Egyptian Museum houses more than 100,000 artifacts spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history. It showcases a series of chronological galleries that will allow visitors to journey through Pre-History, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and the Late and Roman Period, providing a thorough narrative of Egypt's long and complex history.

The Grand Egyptian Museum offers a range of exhibits and treasures that provide a comprehensive understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization. Some notable exhibits to look out for include:

The Lobby and Grand Staircase

Upon entering the museum, visitors will be greeted by a monumental forecourt, its scale calibrated to elicit an emotional response akin to standing in front of the pyramids. Inside, the museum’s soaring atrium is marked by a 4-ton statute of the Egyptian Pharaoh Rameses II which was moved in 2006 to its new final site in the lobby of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The museum's lobby comprises also the column of King Merneptah, and the great staircase, which is an architectural marvel that serves as the central circulation hub of the building. It showcases 87 colossal statues of pharaohs and gods, including statues of Kings Chephren, Mykerinus, Senusret, Akhenaten, and Amenhotep III. This monumental staircase is designed to evoke the grandeur and majesty of ancient Egyptian architecture, setting the tone for the visitor experience.

Tutankhamun's Treasures

A major highlight of the museum is the galleries showcasing the treasures of the famous Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. For the first time since their discovery in 1922 by Howard Carter, all 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb will be displayed together in one place. This includes his iconic golden mask, the golden coffin, elaborate chariots, jewelry, and everyday items that offer an intimate glimpse into the life of the boy king. The dedicated Tutankhamun galleries are designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience, transporting them back to the opulent world of ancient Egypt.

The Solar Boat

One highlight of the Middle Kingdom is a fully restored and preserved 140-foot-long solar boat found buried next to Khufu’s pyramid, making it the oldest and largest wooden boat discovered in Egypt. This exhibit highlights the significance of the Nile River in ancient Egyptian culture and trade.

Interactive Exhibits

The GEM is not just about showcasing artifacts; it is also a leader in the integration of technology into the museum experience. It incorporates interactive exhibits throughout its galleries to enhance the visitor experience. These exhibits use cutting-edge technology, such as augmented and virtual reality that allow visitors to delve deeper into the artifacts and stories of ancient Egypt. They can immerse themselves in the world of the pharaohs, explore reconstructed tombs, and even try their hand at deciphering hieroglyphics.

In Conclusion, the Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a symbol of Egypt's enduring legacy and its commitment to preserving and celebrating its ancient heritage. With its unparalleled collections, cutting-edge technology, and dedication to conservation and education, the GEM is set to become a premier cultural institution on the global stage. As it prepares to open its doors, the museum invites the world to embark on a journey through time, exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt in a setting that bridges the past and the future.