Excitement in Egypt as the news for the Grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum just broke.
The grand opening is scheduled for the 3rd of July of this year, and we thought we’d shed some light on interesting facts you should know about THE GEM.
And in the meantime, if you want to be the first to know, don’t forget to follow us on our Instagram and Facebook pages for exclusive destination news and updates.
1. The Largest Museum Dedicated to One Civilization
The Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest dedicated to a single civilization, spans 500,000 square meters and houses over 100,000 artifacts from the Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman eras.
2. The Treasures of Tutankhamun on Full Display
For the first time since their 1922 discovery, the Grand Egyptian Museum will display all 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, including 2,000 never-before-seen pieces, offering insight into the life and wealth of the famous boy king.
3. More Than Just a Museum – A Cultural Hub
The Grand Egyptian Museum is a dynamic cultural hub featuring an Egyptology-focused archaeological library, a research and restoration center, educational facilities for museum professionals, a conference center with theaters, and an arts and crafts space for workshops and cultural programs.
4. Housing the Biggest and Oldest Organic artifact: Khufu Boat Courtyard and Museum
In 2021, Khufu’s first 42-meter, 20-ton solar boat was transported in one piece from the Giza Plateau to the Grand Egyptian Museum after nearly a year of preparation, while its second boat is being restored and will be exhibited alongside it in the 6,000-square-meter Khufu Boat Courtyard and Museum.
5. An Architectural Marvel Inspired by Ancient Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum, designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, is a 21st-century architectural marvel blending modern innovation with ancient inspiration, featuring a 46-meter-high translucent stone façade, a folded roof aligned with the Pyramids, a colossal Ramses II statue illuminated by celestial alignment, and state-of-the-art conservation and cultural facilities.
