Grand Egyptian Museum Opens: A Testament to Egypt's Rich Heritage

After more than two decades of planning and construction, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) officially opened its doors on November 1, 2025, near the iconic Giza Pyramids. This monumental institution, hailed as the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, houses over 100,000 artifacts spanning Egypt's extensive history.

The inauguration ceremony was a grand affair attended by international dignitaries, including President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The event featured a dazzling spectacle of dancers, music, fireworks, and lasers, highlighting Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

The GEM's architectural design, crafted by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, spans a total area of 500,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 167,000 square meters. The museum features permanent exhibition galleries, temporary exhibitions, a children's museum, and virtual and large-format screens. Notably, the complete King Tutankhamun collection, comprising 5,398 pieces, is displayed in a dedicated 7,500 square meter section.

The museum is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, significantly boosting Egypt's tourism industry. Officials anticipate the museum will draw five million visitors each year, contributing to foreign currency earnings and job creation. Complementary infrastructure enhancements, such as improved roads, a nearby airport, and a metro station, support the government's goal of reaching 30 million tourists annually by 2032.

In recognition of the museum's significance, the Egyptian government declared November 1, 2025, an official paid holiday for both public and private sector employees. This decision aimed to facilitate the smooth organization of movements for foreign delegations attending the ceremony and to allow Egyptians to follow the long-awaited celebration marking the inauguration of the GEM.

To ensure the safety of attendees and the smooth flow of the inauguration events, security forces implemented extensive measures around the museum and its surrounding areas. This included a heavy police presence and traffic management strategies to accommodate the influx of visitors and dignitaries.

The GEM stands as a testament to Egypt's commitment to preserving and showcasing its ancient heritage. By consolidating artifacts previously scattered across multiple museums and storages, the museum offers a comprehensive narrative of Egypt's history, reinforcing its position as a global cultural hub.

The inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum marks a new era for Egypt, blending its illustrious past with a vision for the future. As the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, the GEM not only preserves Egypt's rich heritage but also serves as a beacon for cultural tourism and economic development.