Concept and Establishment

The idea of establishing the Grand Egyptian Museum began in the 1990s, with the goal of creating a world-class museum worthy of Egyptian civilization. In 2002, the foundation stone was laid at a strategic site near the Pyramids of Giza, providing a stunning view of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. To achieve a distinctive architectural design, an international competition was held, under the auspices of UNESCO and the International Union of Architects. The Irish firm "Heneghan Peng" won the competition with a design inspired by the sun's rays extending from the pyramids' peaks, meeting in a majestic architectural form that reflects the grandeur of Egyptian history.

Location and Size

The museum is located just a few kilometers from Cairo, stretching over an enormous area of approximately 500,000 square meters, making it one of the largest museums in the world. It aims to receive around 5 million visitors annually and houses over 100,000 artifacts, most notably the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, which will be displayed in its entirety for the first time.

Challenges and Funding

The project faced political and economic challenges that delayed its opening, but the Egyptian government continued to implement the project with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which provided favorable loans to support funding. In December 2023, the museum's trial operation began with the opening of the Grand Staircase and the Tutankhamun exhibition. Finally, in July 2025, the museum will fully open, becoming the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.

Design and Facilities

The museum is not only an archaeological monument but also a modern architectural masterpiece that combines modernity and history. Its notable features include:

- A massive glass façade that directly overlooks the pyramids, connecting the past and present.

- Green spaces and museum gardens planted with plant species known to the ancient Egyptians.

- A children's museum and educational center that present history in an enjoyable and interactive way for new generations.

- Large exhibition halls that house statues, mummies, and artifacts at a global exhibition level.

- A conference center, cinema, and commercial areas that include international and local shops and restaurants.

Key Exhibits

The museum specializes in showcasing ancient Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Some of its treasures include:

- The complete collection of King Tutankhamun, displayed in its entirety for the first time.

- Large statues of symbols of Egyptian civilization.

- Well-preserved pharaonic mummies using the latest technologies.

- Rare pharaonic papyri and artifacts.

Technology in the Service of History

The museum is not just a place to display artifacts, but an interactive experience that relies on the latest technologies:

- Virtual Reality (VR): allows you to live moments from history, such as seeing King Khufu on the banks of the Nile.

- Augmented Reality (AR): displays archaeological information in a digitally advanced way, such as showing details of the 20-meter-long papyrus of Iuya.

- Artificial Intelligence (AI): makes some statues "talk" and respond to visitors' questions!

- Holograms: display Tutankhamun's treasures, including the famous golden mask, in an interactive and dazzling way.

- Interactive screens: display detailed information about the artifacts, making the educational experience enjoyable and easy.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is a symbol of the Egyptian government's efforts to preserve its cultural and historical heritage and present it to the world in a manner worthy of the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. With the official opening date set for July 3, 2025, the museum is preparing to be a global cultural icon that combines the essence of history with the latest technologies, making it an essential destination for fans of Egyptian civilization from around the world.