Egypt’s long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open its main galleries on Wednesday, featuring 12 halls that showcase different aspects of ancient Egypt. Located near the iconic Giza pyramids, this major project has cost over $1 billion (£765m) and has faced multiple delays, including setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The museum will initially allow 4,000 visitors for a trial phase, while the official opening date remains unconfirmed, according to Al-Tayeb Abbas, assistant to the minister of antiquities.
Under construction for more than a decade, the Grand Egyptian Museum will eventually exhibit over 100,000 ancient artefacts, making it the world’s largest archaeological museum. The main galleries will highlight various historical periods, such as the Old Kingdom (2649-2130 BC), Middle Kingdom (2030-1650 BC), New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC), Third Intermediate Period (1070-664 BC), Late Period (664-332 BC), and the Graeco-Roman Period (332 BC-AD 395). One hall will display statues of the royal family and high-ranking officials who served in the military, priesthood, and government.
Since late 2022, some parts of the museum have been open for limited tours to assess visitor experiences and operational readiness. Among the areas accessible to the public are the grand staircase, which stands six stories high and offers a view of the pyramids, and a commercial area showcasing artefacts like sarcophagi and statues. The much-anticipated Tutankhamun collection and other sections will open at a later stage.
Equipped with advanced technology, the museum’s halls feature multimedia presentations that provide insights into ancient Egyptian life and royalty. One hall will use virtual reality to illustrate the evolution of burial practices in ancient Egypt. Eissa Zidan, the director-general of preliminary restoration and antiquities transfer, emphasized that the museum aims to educate not only by displaying artefacts but also by engaging children with ancient Egyptian history. He described the museum as “a gift to all the world.”
Tourists visiting during the trial phase have expressed their awe at the museum. Canadian tourist Aude Porcedde noted the significance of Egyptian civilization for global knowledge, while Costa Rican tourist Jorge Licano appreciated the opportunity to learn about history from the local perspective.
