People attend the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum. AFP
It was seen as a majestic bridge connecting Egypt's illustrious history to a future of greater global stature and prosperity. These sentiments were central to the GEM's design, a masterpiece of modern architecture that consciously dialogues with its ancient surroundings.
The Grand Staircase, lined with exhibits, features over 100 statues of Egyptian gods and kings, arranged chronologically. As visitors climb, they literally walk through 3,500 years of history, which deepens their understanding of the joy of ancient Egyptian civilisation.
The event was a historic achievement for the country, reflecting its glorious past and promising a brighter economic future.
For Egypt's leadership and citizens, the opening of the GEM on November 1, 2025, was far more than a cultural event; it was a powerful statement of national identity and progress. In other words, a “New Chapter” for Egypt —a living proof that the Egyptians who built the ancient wonders, their ancestors, continue to respect & cherish their cultural heritage.
Alignment with the Pyramids, the museum's location and layout were meticulously planned. Its site is a mere 2 kilometres from the Giza pyramids, and the main entrance and grand gallery are aligned to frame a perfect, uninterrupted view of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, creating a breathtaking visual connection between the artefact and its original context.
For the Grand Museum to exist, massive international cooperation was involved, with special generosity from Japan through financial and technical assistance. An example of Japanese technical assistance is the Solar Boat, for which a dedicated hall in the museum was built with Japanese engineering support, housing the complete and meticulously restored 4,600-year-old Solar Boat of Khufu. The hall's glass walls offer visitors a direct view of the pyramids for which the boat was built.
At the opening event, the presence of 79 international delegations, including 39 heads of state and government, was a point of pride, showcasing Egypt's ability to command global attention on a grand stage.
The opening ceremony was an invite-only event, but efforts were made to share the moment with the public. The celebrations were broadcast on large screens throughout the city. The residential buildings near the museum had people on their balconies, catching a glimpse of the commotion, with great public curiosity and excitement.
Beyond its cultural significance, the opening is deeply tied to tangible hope for economic revival, particularly through the vital tourism industry. The GEM is a cornerstone of efforts to overhaul the country's tourism sector. To attract 5-7 million additional visitors annually, the museum is a key driver in reaching the 2030 target of 30 million tourists. This is crucial for an industry that accounts for about 10% of the country's workforce.
The fact is that the successful opening, after years of delays caused by regional political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, is itself a symbol of Egypt's resilience. The project's completion signalled a turning point, moving past years of instability toward a future of growth and opportunity.
The opening was the culmination of a dream that began decades ago. This long journey to completion, spanning over two decades, made the final opening a moment of immense satisfaction and the fulfilment of a promise made to the nation and the world.
After the artistic, glamorous opening, the esteemed invitees were escorted through the museum to view the exhibited gems, among them the Tutankhamun Gallery, where this is the first time all 5,400+ artefacts from the boy king's tomb are displayed together. The gallery is a suite of rooms dedicated entirely to this collection, showcasing everything from his iconic gold death mask and sarcophagi to his chariots, jewellery, and even childhood items.
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