A Memorable Evening Ahead: Grand Egyptian Museum to Open Its Doors Soon, Insha'Allah
Alhamdulillah, after much waiting, the Grand Egyptian Museum, located just 2 km from the Great Pyramids of Giza, is finally set to open for everyone on November 1, insha'Allah.
Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the opening night as "a night to remember". This event is hoped to be a turning point for Egypt’s tourism, enhancing its global cultural standing.
In a recent talk, Mr. Fathy shared some thoughts about the museum’s long-awaited opening, the challenges faced, and the government’s hopeful plans for Egypt’s tourism future.
"We are certain about the November 1 opening," he said. "The ceremony preparations are going well, and we’re working on the details to make it a very special night that everyone will remember."
The Grand Egyptian Museum has been a massive project, under construction for over 20 years. It’s the largest archaeological museum worldwide, showcasing over 50,000 artifacts, including the full collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The journey hasn’t been easy though, with several delays since 2020 due to the pandemic, regional conflicts, and other challenges. The opening was postponed multiple times for reasons related to safety and stability in the region.
Mr. Fathy mentioned that several world leaders have already confirmed attendance for the inauguration events, which will span three days. The main ceremony will be on November 1, followed by smaller special events and receptions until November 4. The museum will be closed to the public during these days.
Unlike previous grand events like the 2021 royal mummies parade, this opening will focus solely on unveiling the museum itself. There will be performances, but details are being kept private for now.
Since parts of the museum have been open since earlier this year, daily visitor numbers are already around 5,000 to 6,000. After the official opening, the ministry expects this to triple or more, boosting the economy significantly.
Tourism is a key part of Egypt’s economy, contributing 8.5% to GDP and providing 2.7 million jobs. This year, Egypt expects to welcome 18 million tourists, up from 15.7 million last year.
Mr. Fathy is especially excited about the King Tutankhamun exhibit, which includes the famous golden mask, throne, and chariots. The museum also features a modern restoration center where visitors can see how specialists preserve and restore ancient treasures.
Despite recent concerns about security after some thefts of ancient artifacts elsewhere, Mr. Fathy assured that the Grand Egyptian Museum has top-level security measures in place.
The museum’s architecture is inspired by Pharaonic styles, with pyramid shapes aligned with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Highlights include the hanging obelisk and the massive statue of King Ramesses II.
As the opening day approaches, excitement is growing both within Egypt and internationally. Experts and cultural lovers see this museum as a symbol of Egypt’s rich heritage and bright future.
Mr. Fathy said, "This museum shows the world that Egyptian history is much more than what they’ve seen before. It’s a gift from Egypt to the world, and we are proud to finally share it with everyone, insha'Allah."
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