The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally opened its doors to the public, marking a monumental moment in the world of archaeology, culture, and national pride. After decades of anticipation, setbacks, and grand ambitions, this $1 billion megaproject stands as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, housing an astonishing array of ancient relics that stretch across millennia of Egyptian history.
The official inauguration, held on November 1, 2025, was nothing short of spectacular. According to CNT ME, the event drew royals, presidents, prime ministers, and high-level delegations from dozens of countries, including the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Japan. The outdoor celebration unfolded beside the museum’s 110-tonne hanging obelisk, just two kilometers from the iconic Pyramids of Giza. A dazzling laser and fireworks display illuminated the ancient monuments, reflecting the vision to establish the GEM as a “fourth pyramid” in its own right.
In his address to the gathered dignitaries and global audience, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi declared, “Peace is the only path to building civilisations, knowledge flourishes only in an atmosphere of security and stability, and culture bears fruit only when nurtured in an environment of coexistence and understanding.” Above the pyramids, ultralight planes soared, trailing banners that read: “welcome to the land of peace.” The message was clear—Egypt was not just unveiling a museum, but extending an invitation to the world to celebrate its cultural heritage.
Music and artistry played a central role in the festivities. Two orchestras performed—one at the museum and another at the foot of the Great Sphinx—while a specially commissioned musical score titled Message for Peace by composer Hisham Nazih was performed by instrumentalists and vocalists from around 80 countries, under the baton of maestro Nayer Nagui. Dancers from cities like Tokyo, Paris, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, and New York appeared on screen in flowing Egyptian-inspired costumes, symbolizing the far-reaching influence of Egyptian civilization. As the GEM and pyramids glowed, so too did other historic landmarks across Egypt, from the Hatshepsut Temple to Al Muizz Street in Cairo, creating a nationwide celebration of heritage.
The grandeur of the opening was matched only by the museum’s own scale and ambition. As reported by Xinhua and AP, the GEM covers a sprawling 500,000 square meters and is home to more than 100,000 artifacts. Its design, crafted by Heneghan Peng Architects, was chosen in 2003 after a global competition involving over 1,500 entries from 82 countries. The façade, made of limestone, glass, and metal, features a recurring triangular motif that mirrors the three pyramids and aligns directly with their positioning. The museum’s interior is equally impressive, with its main atrium showcasing an 11-meter-high, 83-tonne, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II and a grand staircase lined with colossal statues.
Among the most anticipated attractions is the Tutankhamun Gallery. For the first time since British archaeologist Howard Carter’s legendary 1922 discovery, over 5,900 artifacts from the boy king’s tomb are displayed together in their entirety. “Most Tutankhamun treasures were in the old Egyptian museum,” explained Ahmed Ghoneim, the museum’s CEO, to AP. “However, some were scattered in other museums and others were kept in storage. Bringing all those treasures in one place enriches the museum display experience.” Visitors can now marvel at the golden mask, chariots, jewelry, and even the boy king’s body armor, all showcased in a modern exhibition space designed to inspire awe and contemplation.
But the museum is not just about royal treasures. As The New York Times reported, the GEM’s layout and high-tech displays also bring the daily lives of ancient Egyptians to the forefront. Statues of brewers and bakers, busts showing women’s hairstyles, and even a tiny clay figurine of a man petting his dog offer glimpses into the non-royal population’s world. High-tech projections and immersive displays recreate tomb scenes, with hunters and farmers springing to life on the walls, making history tangible for visitors of all ages.
The journey to this moment was anything but smooth. Plans for the museum were first announced in 1992 under President Hosni Mubarak, with the foundation stone laid a decade later. Construction began in 2005, but political upheaval, economic challenges, and global events—from the 2011 revolution to the COVID-19 pandemic—repeatedly delayed completion. Financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which provided two loans totaling $800 million, proved crucial in bringing the project to fruition.
Since its soft debut in November 2022, when only the main atrium and retail area were accessible, the GEM has already welcomed over two million visitors. With the official opening, expectations are high: the museum aims to attract five to seven million visitors annually, with a daily cap of 20,000 to ensure a smooth experience, according to Ghoneim. Egypt, which welcomed a record 15.7 million tourists in 2024, sees the GEM as a cornerstone in its goal to draw 30 million visitors by 2030.
For many Egyptians, the museum represents more than a tourist attraction. It is a statement of cultural sovereignty and a renewed call for the return of iconic antiquities currently housed abroad. “Egypt possesses the capacity, the will and the world-class facilities to house its own heritage,” said Monica Hanna, a leading Egyptologist based in Cairo, as quoted by The New York Times. The museum’s state-of-the-art restoration facilities and a team of about 300 restorers underscore Egypt’s commitment to preserving its past—and perhaps, one day, to reclaiming treasures like the bust of Queen Nefertiti or the Rosetta Stone.
On opening day, the museum buzzed with excitement from both international tourists and local Egyptians. From older men in traditional robes to young influencers capturing their experiences for social media, the GEM has already become a site of national pride and communal celebration. “Not just for Tutankhamen,” said Mai Mohammed, a 26-year-old visitor. “I wanted to see everyone’s reactions—I’m so happy to see this.”
The Grand Egyptian Museum stands today as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the enduring allure of ancient Egypt. With its doors now open, it invites the world to experience “wonderful things” anew—just as Howard Carter did over a century ago.
