Cairo – November 1, 2025

Egypt celebrated a historic cultural milestone on Saturday with the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a landmark event that drew global attention and marked the beginning of a new era in presenting and preserving ancient Egyptian heritage. The official inauguration welcomed international dignitaries, cultural leaders, and senior Egyptian officials

Background and Significance

The Grand Egyptian Museum, conceived in the 1990s and inaugurated on a site overlooking the Giza Pyramids, spans 500,000 square meters with multiple exhibition halls and visitor facilities. Completed in 2021, GEM houses over 50,000 artifacts, including Tutankhamun’s treasures, colossal statues like Ramses II, and restored ancient vessels, with its grand opening taking place this year.

Preparations and Logistics

Ahead of the grand opening, GEM suspended public access from October 15 to November 3, 2025, to finalize security arrangements, exhibition placements, and international coordination

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared November 1 a paid national holiday to facilitate logistics, ensure smooth movement of delegations, and allow citizens to participate in the national celebration

The opening ceremony featured cultural performances, archaeological showcases, and curated previews that highlighted the museum’s architectural and artistic vision

Objectives and Expectations

Tourism Boost

Strategically located minutes away from the Giza Pyramids, GEM is expected to draw between 5 to 7 million visitors annually, strengthening Egypt’s tourism revenues and positioning Cairo as a leading global cultural destination

Cultural Showcase

By bringing together Egypt’s major archaeological collections under one roof, the museum delivers a comprehensive narrative of ancient Egyptian civilization. Specialized halls—such as the Tutankhamun Galleries—offer visitors a fully immersive journey into royal life, religion, art, and daily culture

Visitor Strategy

To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, the museum has set a daily visitor cap of 20,000, allowing for organized flow, enhanced security, and optimal preservation of fragile artifacts

Expert Commentary

Dr. Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated during the ceremony

that Egypt continues to protect, revive, and proudly present its ancient heritage with the highest international standards

He added that GEM will play a central role in shaping Egypt’s long-term cultural tourism strategy

Global Reactions

International media praised the opening as a historic moment for world heritage

Foreign outlets highlighted GEM’s architectural grandeur, its advanced conservation laboratories, and its role in redefining museum experiences globally

Several cultural institutions across Europe and Asia expressed interest in future partnerships, joint exhibitions, and research collaborations with the museum