Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, has finally opened its doors after 32 years of planning and over $1 billion in construction costs. The stunning structure, designed by Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng, is nestled near the iconic pyramids of Giza and boasts an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
With over 5 million square feet of exhibition space, the museum features 12 primary galleries showcasing a vast array of relics from Egypt's 7,000-year history. The centerpiece of the museum is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, with all 5,398 items on display for the first time since their discovery in 1922.
Visitors will also get to see the majestic 53-foot-tall Hanging Obelisk, a unique structure that suspends the ancient obelisk above the floor, allowing visitors to view its intricate inscriptions from an unprecedented angle. The museum's Grand Staircase is another highlight, featuring 108 steps leading up to the main galleries and colossal statues of pharaohs along the way.
Scholars believe that two royal boats discovered near the Pyramid of Khufu in 1954 were either used in his funeral procession or intended for his journey with the sun god Re in the afterlife. The museum is also home to a King Ramses II statue, which was moved from its original location in central Cairo.
The project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, but Egyptian officials hope that the new museum will boost the country's tourism industry and struggling economy. They predict that the GEM will attract around 5 million visitors per year.
The opening ceremony drew an unprecedented number of world leaders, with some 40 heads of state expected to attend, including royalty. The event marks a significant milestone for Egypt's rich cultural heritage and its efforts to revitalize its tourism sector.
With over 5 million square feet of exhibition space, the museum features 12 primary galleries showcasing a vast array of relics from Egypt's 7,000-year history. The centerpiece of the museum is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, with all 5,398 items on display for the first time since their discovery in 1922.
Visitors will also get to see the majestic 53-foot-tall Hanging Obelisk, a unique structure that suspends the ancient obelisk above the floor, allowing visitors to view its intricate inscriptions from an unprecedented angle. The museum's Grand Staircase is another highlight, featuring 108 steps leading up to the main galleries and colossal statues of pharaohs along the way.
Scholars believe that two royal boats discovered near the Pyramid of Khufu in 1954 were either used in his funeral procession or intended for his journey with the sun god Re in the afterlife. The museum is also home to a King Ramses II statue, which was moved from its original location in central Cairo.
The project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, but Egyptian officials hope that the new museum will boost the country's tourism industry and struggling economy. They predict that the GEM will attract around 5 million visitors per year.
The opening ceremony drew an unprecedented number of world leaders, with some 40 heads of state expected to attend, including royalty. The event marks a significant milestone for Egypt's rich cultural heritage and its efforts to revitalize its tourism sector.
I mean, have you seen the pics of that place? It's like something outta a movie! 
I'm not even kidding, it looks like a giant ancient Egyptian temple. And all that King Tut stuff is just... wow. 
5,398 items is insane! But for real, can we talk about how they got the Hanging Obelisk to be 53 feet tall? That's some crazy engineering right there 
. I'm also low-key curious about those two royal boats – what's the story behind them? 
Anyway, good on Egypt for finally getting this done after all these years 
. Now let's hope it doesn't break the bank 
.
I'm literally blown away by the sheer scale and grandeur of this museum! $1 billion is crazy, but can you even imagine having that kind of resources at your disposal? 
And the Hanging Obelisk? Mind. Blown. 
I'm not surprised it's got over 40 heads of state at the opening ceremony though - this is like the ultimate symbol of Egyptian pride and history! 
. But seriously, the Grand Egyptian Museum looks AMAZING! I mean, who needs a normal museum when you can have one that's literally hanging obelisks? 
and I'm sure those pharaoh statues are gonna give me some serious #regalvibes 
.
i'm literally speechless by the size of it 5 million sq ft is insane, can you even imagine walking through that every day? but what really gets me is the king tutankhamun collection, like, all 5k items on display for the first time since 1922? mind blown 
and hey, if it can bring in 5 million visitors per year, that's gotta be good for the economy 
! I mean, $1 billion is insane but it's worth it for the history and culture they're showcasing 
