The Grand Egyptian Museum, also known as the GEM, is an archaeological museum currently under construction in Giza, Egypt. The idea for the museum was first proposed in 1992 by the then Prime Minister and renowned Egyptologist, Zahi Hawass. The objective was to create a world-class institution that could showcase Egypt’s rich heritage and house its extensive collection of artifacts.
Construction of the museum began in 2002 and faced several delays and challenges over the years. The main reason for the lengthy construction period was the complexity of the project. The GEM was designed as a state-of-the-art facility with cutting-edge technology and advanced conservation techniques. It also required extensive planning and coordination due to its proximity to the Great Pyramids of Giza and other sensitive archaeological sites.
The museum is being built near the pyramids and will sit on a plot of land spanning 50 hectares, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world. It is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and provide visitors with breathtaking views of the pyramids. The main building of the museum is an impressive structure, featuring a unique design that is reminiscent of the pyramids themselves.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to showcase over 100,000 artifacts, including the full collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, which were previously housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This includes the famous golden death mask of the pharaoh, as well as numerous other objects that were discovered in his tomb.
In addition to Tutankhamun’s collection, the GEM will also exhibit artifacts from various periods of Egyptian history, including the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and the Greco-Roman era. The museum aims to tell the comprehensive story of Egypt’s ancient civilization through its vast collection of artifacts, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum has been postponed several times due to the construction delays and political instability in Egypt. However, in March 2021, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khaled El-Anany, announced that the museum will open partially in the last quarter of 2021, with the full opening expected in 2022.
