grand Egyptian Museum Opens Doors Near Giza, Showcasing Tutankhamun‘s Treasures
GIZA, Egypt – The long-awaited Grand egyptian Museum (GEM) officially opened to the public today, November 4th, near the Giza pyramids, unveiling an unprecedented collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, moast notably the complete holdings from the tomb of Tutankhamun. The opening marks a pivotal moment for Egypt’s tourism industry and its economy, offering a state-of-the-art showcase for a civilization that captivated the world for millennia.
The museum’s centerpiece is the vast collection amassed from the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, including the boy pharaoh’s three funeral beds and six chariots, his golden throne, his gold-covered sarcophagus, and his burial mask crafted from gold, quartzite, lapis lazuli, and colored glass. Zahi Hawass, egypt’s most renowned archaeologist and former minister of antiquities, described the Tutankhamun collection as the museum’s “masterpiece.” “Why this museum is so important, and everyone is waiting for the opening?” he told The Associated Press. “Because of Tutankhamun.”
Located near the iconic pyramids and the Sphinx, the GEM aims to attract a surge in tourism, providing a much-needed boost to Egypt’s economy. Officials anticipate longer stays from visitors and increased foreign currency revenue. The opening is coupled with notable infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area, including new highways, a forthcoming metro station, and the recently opened Sphinx International Airport, located 40 minutes from the museum.
Egypt’s tourism sector has faced challenges in recent years, impacted by political instability following the 2011 Arab Spring uprising and the global coronavirus pandemic.However, the industry is showing signs of recovery, further aided by continued tourism from countries like Russia and Ukraine. A record 15.7 million tourists visited Egypt in 2024, contributing approximately 8% of the country’s GDP, according to official figures.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy projects an increase to 18 million tourists this year, with a long-term goal of 30 million annual visitors by 2032. Tour guide Walid el-Batouty emphasized the widespread economic benefits, stating, ”It will boost the economy of Egypt tremendously not just the hotels and the museum itself…Whenever a tourist rides a cab or even just buys a bottle of water, that is pumping money” into Egypt’s coffers.
The museum’s opening date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The Associated Press’s Ahmed Hatem contributed to this report.
