With pomp and ceremony, the Grand Egyptian Museum opened in honor of the ancient civilization.

Egypt on November 1, 2025, opened its new Grand Egyptian Museum, a long-awaited project aimed at renewing the perception of the country’s centuries-old heritage and attracting tourists. The opening took place against the backdrop of a grand light show with drones depicting ancient gods and pyramids.

The museum project was conceived two decades ago and is located next to the Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. Aimed at restoring tourism revenues and improving the economy, the museum has become a central element of the government’s strategy.

European and Arab monarchs, as well as presidents and prime ministers of several countries, attended the opening ceremony. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the importance of the museum as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange.

The Museum as a Symbol of Modern Achievements

The Grand Egyptian Museum, or GEM, became one of many large projects initiated by el-Sisi after he came to power in 2014. These investments are intended to revive an economy that suffered from years of stagnation and economic problems following the unrest of 2011.

Egypt’s historical heritage attracts tourists, but the organization and display of countless artifacts, including jewelry, colorful frescoes, and giant statues, had long been neglected.

The opening of the museum essentially represents a grandiose project that should take its place among the elite of world museums. The new building’s style is significantly different from the old museum in downtown Cairo, which housed artifacts but could not provide satisfactory display.

The Construction Process and Its Challenges

Construction of this ambitious project began back in 2005 under President Hosni Mubarak. However, after the unrest associated with 2011, work was suspended and then repeatedly delayed. The opening was expected to take place in the summer, but a new round of delays was caused by the military conflict in June 2025.

GEM is expected to attract about 5 million visitors annually, which is more than comparable to other famous museums worldwide. For example, the Louvre in France registered 8.7 million visitors in 2024.

Ceremonial Opening and Light Show

The opening ceremony took place in a whirlwind of ancient Egyptian color. To the sounds of an orchestra, actors in antique costumes adorned the museum, and drone images of famous deities appeared in the sky.

El-Sisi posed with delegations from more than 70 countries, including representatives of European royal families. This was a reference to the similar opening of the Suez Canal when Egyptian rulers gathered European monarchs.

Artifacts and Exhibition Halls

The museum impresses with its modern design and extensive exhibition mezzanines, whose space allows for up to 50,000 artifacts. Particularly notable is the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, exhibited for the first time since their discovery.

The entrance to the museum is adorned with granite statues of Ramses II, considered the most powerful pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. The 12 main exhibition halls cover artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era.

Thanks to the new space, several halls dedicated to the Tutankhamun collection are opening for the first time. Among the exhibited objects are three funerary beds, six chariots, and a golden mask.

Impact on Tourism and Economy

The museum’s creators hope it will become a lure for tourists who, by staying longer, will bring the necessary currency to the country. Alongside the museum’s construction, the government modernized the surroundings — new roads and a metro were built.

Tourism revenues fell after the political unrest of 2011, but in recent years the tourism sector has begun to recover. It is expected that about 18 million tourists will visit Egypt in 2024.

Thus, any tourist spending money on taxis or food will be part of a system that supports the country’s economy and invites dialogue about its rich heritage.