Cairo: After nearly two decades of planning, delays, and anticipation, Egypt is finally ready to open the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to welcome visitors on Saturday.
The vast complex, built near the Giza Pyramids, is expected to become the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, showcasing more than 50,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts. The $1 billion project is a key part of Egypt’s efforts to revive tourism, a crucial source of foreign currency for the country’s strained economy.
Landmark cultural project
Construction of the museum began in 2005 but was stopped by the political unrest that followed the 2011 uprising. Multiple planned opening dates came and went, including a postponement earlier this year due to tensions in the Middle East. World leaders are expected to attend the opening ceremony on Saturday.
Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum features a dramatic glass façade inspired by the shape of the nearby pyramids. The entrance hall is dominated by a 3,200-year-old statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II, which once stood in central Cairo before being moved for preservation.
A grand staircase lined with statues leads visitors upwards, offering views of the pyramids. A pedestrian link and electric vehicles will connect the museum directly to the Giza plateau.
يبدأ العد التنازلي… فصل جديد من تاريخ مصر على وشك أن يُفتح.
The countdown begins. A new chapter of Egypt’s history is about to open. #GrandEgyptianMuseum #Egypt #GEM pic.twitter.com/WVVJAWQdVL
— Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (@TourismandAntiq) October 30, 2025
Exhibits and Technology
The museum houses 12 main galleries that cover Egypt’s history from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Many items were transferred from the old Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, while others came from recent archaeological discoveries.
For the first time, the entire collection of King Tutankhamun, about 5,000 artifacts, will be displayed in one place, including his golden mask, sarcophagus, funeral beds, and chariots. Some pieces underwent restoration at the museum’s state-of-the-art conservation center.
Visitors will also see King Khufu’s solar boat, a 4,600-year-old wooden vessel discovered beside the Great Pyramid and relocated in 2021 using a specialized transport system.
Museum officials say the galleries are equipped with interactive and multimedia displays to help new generations connect with ancient Egyptian history.
Tourism Hopes
Egypt recorded 15.7 million tourists in 2024, and authorities hope the new museum will help push that number to 30 million by 2032. The opening is part of a wider development plan for the Giza area, which includes upgraded roads, a new metro station, and the Sphinx International Airport, located nearby.
Museum administrators say they expect 15,000 to 20,000 visitors per day once operations stabilize. “The world has been waiting. Everyone’s excited,” said Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, the company overseeing the museum.
