Upon completion, the Grand Egyptian Museum (next to the Pyramids) will be not only the new crown jewel of Egypt, but also one of the world’s largest, most modern, and most renowned museums.
Here are some fascinating facts about Egypt’s upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum for those interested in learning more about the museum’s history.
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In early 2002, the ceremonial cornerstone of the Grand Egyptian Museum was laid. However, at this point, no architectural or construction firms had been selected yet to build the brand-new museum complex.
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Following an extensive international competition, the main contract for the design of the Grand Egyptian Museum was awarded to the Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng in 2003. According to the Egyptian government, a total of 300 individuals from 13 companies in 6 different countries contributed to the design phase of the project.
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The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum was divided into three phases:
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In Phase, I, tasks required for clearing and securing the site and preparing it for construction were completed. This is known as “enabling works.”.
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As part of Phase II, a fire station, an energy center, and a world-class conservation center were constructed in addition to the main museum building.
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Phase III involved land excavation and contouring, the construction of the main museum building, and site landscaping.
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- Private Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (with Museum Guide)
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) complex is a cultural hub, that includes the largest museum in the world (500,000 square feet) displaying the diverse heritage of Pharaonic civilization. Since Grand Museum is not yet officially open its doors to the public. E-Tour Egypt is able to take you on special access and a private visit to this global landmark which will eventually be home to more than 100,000 artifacts, including the treasures of the boy-king Tutankhamun.
On this special visit, you will start by going behind the scenes and entering the museum from the conservation center’s private entrance. There you will meet the curators from the wood conservation laboratory who will give you insights into their jobs and the delicate processes of handling and conserving ancient artifacts.
Proceed to the main visitor entrance where you will find the ‘hanging obelisk’. This one-of-a-kind obelisk is suspended by four columns, and you will get to see it as you stand on its base and look directly into its interior which contains the rare cartouche of King Ramses II, concealed for more than 3,500 years.
As you make your way inwards, you will behold the colossal statue of King Ramses II, displayed right at the entrance atrium. It is made entirely of red granite, weighs 83 tons, and is more than 30 feet high.
Make your way towards the grand stairs to find a rare statue collection of famous pharaohs, including that of King Senusret I.
Next, you will be escorted to where the Solar Boat will eventually be exhibited. This 4,600-year-old ship was once owned by the pharaoh Khufu and recently traveled from its longtime home near the Pyramids of Giza.
End your visit with a stroll through the commercial area which boasts an array of shopping and food outlets.
The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Spectacular Home for Egypt’s Ancient Treasures
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a massive new museum under construction near the Giza Pyramids on the Giza Plateau in Cairo, Egypt. When completed in 2020, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. The 480,000 square foot museum will house many of Egypt’s most prized ancient artifacts, including all of the treasures of King Tutankhamun – for the first time ever displayed together in their entirety.
The GEM will showcase over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, statues, jewelry, and other priceless objects spanning Egypt’s ancient history. The main exhibit will be the 5,400 artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, which have been under restoration for over a decade to prepare for display in the GEM. King Tut’s mummy will be displayed in a climate-controlled glass box, along with gilded statues, jewelry, furniture, and other stunning artifacts from his tomb.
Beyond the King Tut collection, the GEM will have many other exhibits, galleries, and attractions. There will be a large gallery dedicated to some of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs like Ramses II and Hatshepsut, with monumental statues and architecture from their time. There will also be exhibits on daily life in ancient Egypt, mummification and burial practices, trade and agriculture, and Egypt’s interaction with other ancient cultures like Greece and Rome. A children’s museum, IMAX theater, cafes, and gift shops will make the GEM an incredible destination for visitors of all ages.
When completed, the GEM will put Egypt back on the map as a world-class tourist destination with an unparalleled collection of ancient artifacts in an iconic ultra-modern space. It is an exciting project that will preserve Egypt’s rich history and culture and share it with millions of visitors for generations to come.
How’s that? I focused on the key highlights of the Grand Egyptian Museum, including its size, location, architecture, major exhibits like the King Tut collection, and other galleries and attractions. I tried to convey why it will be such an impressive museum and tourism destination while shining a light on Egypt’s ancient history. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand the article in any way.