After more than two decades of anticipation, political upheaval, and global challenges, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally opened its doors to the public, marking a historic moment not only for Egypt but for the world’s appreciation of ancient civilization. Situated just two kilometers from the legendary pyramids of Giza and a short drive from Cairo, the museum’s opening on November 4, 2025, was described by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism, Sherif Fathy, as “a night to remember.” The event capped off years of effort and ambition that spanned three regimes, a revolution, regional conflicts, and a pandemic, all of which threatened to derail the project at various turns, according to reporting by Anadolu and Atalayar.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is now considered the world’s largest archaeological facility dedicated to a single civilization, housing more than 100,000 ancient artifacts from the 30 dynasties of Egypt’s storied past. The sprawling complex covers nearly 500,000 square meters, a size that places it among the world’s largest museums, just behind the Louvre in Paris and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg in terms of display area. For visitors, the museum offers a breathtaking journey through the ages, starting from the prehistoric period and traversing through the pharaonic and Roman eras.
The architectural design of the GEM is itself a tribute to Egypt’s ancient wonders. Created by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng, the museum’s chamfered triangular shape echoes the geometry of the nearby pyramids. The north and south walls align perfectly with the Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure, while the sand-colored concrete and translucent alabaster stone of the structure blend seamlessly with the desert landscape. Its main façade, made of frosted glass panels, stands as a modern counterpoint to the timeless monuments just beyond its walls.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by the awe-inspiring 3,200-year-old statue of King Ramses II. Weighing in at a staggering 83 tonnes and standing 11.36 meters tall, the statue’s journey to the GEM was no small feat. As reported by Anadolu, it was transported upright and in one piece from Ramses Square in Cairo, a 30-kilometer trip that required a specially designed 128-wheel vehicle and temporary road closures. The statue now presides over the museum’s grand six-story staircase, which is lined with about 60 artifacts, including statues of deities, ornate sarcophagi, ancient columns, and stelae inscribed with significant texts from Egypt’s past.
The museum’s 12 main permanent exhibition halls, which began opening in 2024, are organized by both historical era and theme, ranging from prehistory to the Greco-Roman period and covering topics such as society, kingship, and belief. But perhaps the crown jewel of the GEM is the Tutankhamun Gallery. Spanning 7,500 square meters, this gallery houses more than 5,000 artifacts unearthed from the tomb of the boy king, including his iconic golden mask, throne, sarcophagus, chariots, and dazzling jewelry. The collection, which recreates the atmosphere of Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the life and death of one of Egypt’s most famous rulers.
Other highlights include a 4,500-year-old boat belonging to Pharaoh Khufu, one of the oldest intact ships in the world, and several of Cheops’ so-called “light boats,” which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979. The museum complex also features a conference center, auditorium, children’s museum, conservation areas, gardens, and the Khufu Boat Museum, making it a multifaceted cultural destination.
The opening of the GEM is more than just a celebration of Egypt’s ancient heritage; it is also a bold statement about the country’s future as a global cultural hub. In 2024, Egypt welcomed a record 15.7 million tourists, with travel and tourism contributing about 8 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, according to official figures cited by Anadolu. The government hopes that the new museum will further boost these numbers, establishing Cairo as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.
But the museum’s inauguration has also reignited a long-standing debate over the rightful home of Egypt’s most famous treasures. As Atalayar reports, Egyptian authorities are now urging museums around the globe to return artifacts taken during the colonial era, arguing that these pieces “should always have been” in Egypt. Chief among these is the Rosetta Stone, a pivotal artifact that has been on display at the British Museum since 1802. The stone, inscribed with ancient Egyptian texts and their Greek and Demotic translations, played a crucial role in deciphering hieroglyphs and unlocking the secrets of one of humanity’s most influential cultures.
Other sought-after treasures include the Luxor Obelisk, now standing in Paris’s Place de la Concorde; the Dendera Zodiac, housed in the Louvre Museum, also in Paris; and the Bust of Nefertiti, which resides in Berlin’s Neues Museum. The Luxor Obelisk, made of red granite and over 3,000 years old, was looted during the Napoleonic era, while the Dendera Zodiac, commissioned by Cleopatra and dedicated to Osiris, is the only surviving artifact from its temple, which was destroyed with dynamite. The Bust of Nefertiti, believed to have been illegally removed from Egypt despite explicit legal prohibitions, has been displayed in Berlin for over a century.
“The consecration of the Grand Egyptian Museum as the largest and most important cultural center of the 21st century has already materialized, but it hopes to achieve what it has been longing for for almost two centuries: the recovery of all Egyptian art on display around the world in order to piece together one of the most mysterious and difficult puzzles in human history,” Atalayar notes. The first sign of progress came from the Netherlands, which in 2022 returned a stone head over 3,500 years old belonging to the Thutmose III dynasty, marking a rare act of repatriation in the wake of the GEM’s opening.
The museum’s debut also brings renewed attention to the enduring mysteries of Egypt: How were the pyramids built? What happened to the body of Pharaoh Cheops? What caused the sudden death of Tutankhamun? These questions, as Atalayar observes, continue to fascinate archaeologists and historians, underscoring the magnetic allure of Egypt’s ancient past.
While the Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a testament to Egypt’s resilience and ambition, its greatest achievement may yet lie ahead. As the world marvels at its treasures, the GEM’s opening could serve as a catalyst for the long-awaited return of Egypt’s most iconic artifacts, bringing them home at last and allowing the country to reclaim its place at the center of human history.
