World's largest archaeological museum opens near Giza Pyramids

Egypt has unveiled the Grand Egyptian Museum, a massive archaeological complex situated near the Giza Pyramids that represents the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. The official opening ceremony on Saturday evening featured President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and delegations from 79 nations, including numerous world leaders and royalty.

A decades-long project realized

The museum's conception dates back to the 1990s under former Culture Minister Farouk Hosni, with former President Hosni Mubarak laying the foundation stone in 2002. After years of delays, construction accelerated under President Sisi's administration, with most work completed over the past seven years. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly described the achievement as "a gift from Egypt to humanity" that had existed in the national imagination for decades.

Architectural marvel and collections

Located just two kilometers from the iconic pyramids, the 490,000-square-meter structure features a dramatic five-story glass facade aligned with the height of the Great Pyramid. The museum's design symbolizes sun rays converging from the three pyramids, creating what architects describe as a "fourth pyramid" when viewed from above. The $1 billion project was financed through Japanese loans and Egyptian government funding, housing over 57,000 artifacts including the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time since the tomb's 1922 discovery.

Tourism and cultural significance

Businessman Mohamed Mansour, a member of the museum's board of trustees, projected the institution would attract more than five million visitors annually. The complex includes twelve main galleries, temporary exhibition spaces, a children's museum, and artifacts spanning Egypt's 7,000-year history. Visitors can view the pyramids through the massive glass facade while exploring treasures that include a colossal statue of Ramses II in the entrance hall and artifacts from Queen Hetepheres, mother of King Khufu.