Grand Egyptian Museum Inaugurated: A Monumental Cultural Milestone for Egypt

After more than two decades of planning and construction, Egypt has officially inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. Located approximately two kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, the $1 billion, 120-acre complex houses over 100,000 artifacts spanning Egypt's rich history.

The inauguration ceremony on November 1, 2025, was a grand event attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, along with numerous international dignitaries and world leaders. The event featured a dazzling spectacle of dancers, music, fireworks, and lasers, underscoring the museum's significance as a cultural milestone and a symbol of national pride.

A central highlight of the museum is the complete collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun's tomb, including his iconic gold death mask and over 5,000 items such as jewelry and gilded chariots. This marks the first time these artifacts have been displayed together in their entirety.

The GEM is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, significantly boosting Egypt's tourism industry and serving as a testament to the country's commitment to preserving and showcasing its ancient heritage.

The museum opened to the public on November 4, 2025, coinciding with the 103rd anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Visitors can now enjoy the museum’s full exhibition experience for the first time. The GEM welcomes visitors year-round from 9 am to 6 pm, with extended evening hours every Wednesday and Saturday until 9 pm.

Designed by Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects and funded largely by Japanese development loans, the museum covers a total area of 500,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 167,000 square meters and a floor area of 81,000 square meters.

The Grand Egyptian Museum has been in the works for 23 years, with construction beginning in 2005. The project faced numerous delays due to political upheaval, pandemics, and regional conflicts. The museum's opening is considered a significant achievement, reflecting Egypt's dedication to preserving its ancient heritage and promoting cultural tourism.

To mark the inauguration, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that Saturday, November 1, 2025, would be an official paid holiday for all public sector employees nationwide. 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 Grand Egyptian Museum.

Security forces prepared extensively to secure the opening celebrations of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Heavy police presence was seen around the museum and along the streets leading to it, aimed at creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. Preparations focused on the museum's surroundings to ensure smooth traffic flow on the roads. Security was also enhanced in public squares, where the celebrations were broadcast on screens, enabling citizens to follow the event closely and safely.

The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum marks a monumental achievement in Egypt's cultural and historical preservation efforts. It stands as a testament to the nation's rich heritage and its commitment to sharing this legacy with the world.