In a monumental step for Egypt and cultural heritage, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has officially opened its doors, strategically located near the Great Pyramid of Giza. This grand establishment, claimed to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, is home to approximately 100,000 artefacts that span over 7,000 years of Egypt's vivid history, from pre-dynastic times all the way through the Greek and Roman eras.
The museum marks a significant cultural renaissance for Egypt, particularly as it allows visitors an unprecedented opportunity to view the complete collection of items from the intact tomb of the boy king, Tutankhamun, for the first time ever since its discovery by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922. The treasures include Tutankhamun's golden mask, throne, and ceremonial chariots, encapsulating the splendour of ancient Egypt.
Academics and Egyptologists are hopeful that the GEM's inauguration will strengthen the long-standing call for the return of key Egyptian antiquities held in foreign museums, notably the Rosetta Stone, currently displayed at the British Museum. Prominent figures in the field argue that displaying these objects back in Egypt would reaffirm the nation's cultural heritage.
Dr. Tarek Tawfik, President of the International Association of Egyptologists and former head of GEM, has explained the vision behind showcasing the tomb's complete contents. I had the idea of displaying the complete tomb... nothing remains in storage, nothing remains in other museums, and you get to have the complete experience, he noted.
The museum, which reportedly cost around $1.2 billion, is expected to attract up to eight million visitors annually. This influx is crucial for reviving Egyptian tourism, which has been significantly affected by recent political upheavals and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As Ahmed Seddik, a local guide, emphasized, the GEM could usher in a new golden age of cultural tourism in the region.
Architecturally, the GEM spans 500,000 square metres, featuring a stunning architecture adorned with hieroglyphics and translucent alabaster, offering visitors a deeply immersive experience into both ancient and modern Egyptian craftsmanship.
The museum's opening represents a long-awaited milestone as the GEM was first proposed back in 1992 and faced numerous delays due to various economic and political challenges. Meanwhile, Egyptologists believe that GEM could become a vital hub for research and conservation efforts, enhancing the country's capabilities in managing its historical treasures.
As Dr. Zahi Hawass, the former minister of tourism and antiquities, remarked at the launch, this museum is not just a collection of artefacts; it is a declaration that Egypt can stand alongside any other nation in terms of its archaeological contributions and cultural stewardship.
