Grand Egyptian Museum launching in November: a landmark moment for Egypt's tourism industry
The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to officially open its doors once agin in November.
Image: Facebook.
Travellers from around the world will soon be able to tour the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near Cairo's Giza Pyramids after years of delays.
The vast complex, which was partially opened to the public in October last year, will be officially inaugurated on November 1, giving visitors access to the world's largest archaeological museum.
At its heart will be the entire Tutankhamun collection and other artefacts displayed together for the first time, from the golden mask to chariots and jewellery.
The modern complex will give visitors access to the Grand Hall and several galleries, though the star exhibits remain reserved for the official launch.
An Egyptian worker at the construction site of the Grand Egyptian Museum which is set to open to the public on November 1.
Image: FIle / Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe
The first foundation of the GEM was laid in 2002, and in 2006, the massive 3 200-year-old Statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II was relocated from Ramses Square in Cairo to the new site near the Giza Plateau, where it was finally installed in the main atrium in 2018.
The 82-ton granite statue is the largest and most impressive exhibit in the complex that covers 500 000 square metres - that's about 70 soccer fields!
Described as the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation, it will house approximately 57 000 artefacts, according to Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The complex has had numerous delays in opening, including political unrest and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More recently, the scheduled opening on July 3 was postponed due to the military conflicts between Israel and Iran, "Xinhua" reported.
Tourism contributes almost nine percent of the country's GDP, and officials believe that the museum is likely to attract a staggering five million visitors a year.
More than just a museum, it is a national project blending culture, preservation and economic ambition, set to be one of the most important cultural openings of the century.
The imposing statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II takes pride of place in the main atrium of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Image: Instagram.
"The Guardian" reports that the building’s climate-smart designs – which include a reflective roof, external shading and resource-efficient lighting – help it save more than 60% in energy costs and reduce water use by a third.
It reported that the museum was designed by the Dublin-based firm Heneghan Peng Architects and cost about $1 billion to build.
Some of the artefacts, including at least 20,000, will be displayed for the first time, including the complete King Tutankhamun collection, comprising 5 398 pieces.