BY: Jessica Hany Makram  

 The Grand Egyptian Museum won the Versailles International Award as one of the seven most beautiful museums in the world for 2024 on December 9, 2024. This award included museums that were newly opened or reopened, enhancing the value of creativity, highlighting the reflection of local heritage and environmental efficiency, and leaving a positive impact on their environments.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities stated in a press release that this honor was awarded during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the French capital, Paris. The award was received by Ambassador Alaa Youssef, Egypt`s Ambassador to France and its Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

Sherif Fathy, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, praised the museum for winning this award, especially since it coincided with the recent trial operation of the museum, which contributes to encouraging more visitors from Egypt and all over the world to visit it and enjoy its beautiful design and the exceptional tourist experience it offers. He added that this award also enhances the museum`s global standing.

He affirmed that this museum is one of the most important national projects that the state pays great attention to, and one of the greatest achievements of modern Egypt. It is a comprehensive global cultural, civilizational, and entertainment edifice, being the largest museum in the world that narrates the history of a single civilization, which is ancient Egyptian civilization. It also displays the treasures of the golden king Tutankhamun for the first time in full since the discovery of his tomb, in addition to the Museum of the Pharaoh Khufu`s Boats.

Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, the CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority, explained that the Versailles Award is one of the international awards that has been presented annually since 2015 at the UNESCO headquarters to select the best contemporary architectural designs worldwide in various categories, including museums, sports facilities, hotels, and airports. He pointed out that the museum`s design represents the rays of sunlight extending from the peaks of the three Pyramids of Giza, converging into a conical mass that is the Grand Egyptian Museum.

It is worth mentioning that the museum is currently undergoing a trial operation for several areas, including a visit to the suspended obelisk, the main hall where the statue of King Ramses II is located, and the grand staircase that showcases a collection of the finest large artifacts representing the masterpieces of ancient Egyptian sculpture, culminating in a beautiful panoramic view highlighting the eternal Pyramids of Giza. Additionally, the main halls include 12 halls displaying distinguished artifacts from the pre-dynastic period to the Greek and Roman eras. The trial operation also includes a visit to the Children`s Museum and the commercial area where the restaurants and cafeterias are located.