Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly made an announcement on Wednesday stating that President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has approved 1 November as the official Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Date.
Speaking during start of the weekly Cabinet meeting that was held held at its headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, Madbouly issued a directive requiring all relevant ministries and authorities to finalise preparations to make sure that the museum and its surrounding area are fully ready. Furthermore, he emphasized that the opening must be presented in a manner that portrays its cultural and historical significance.
Project Factsheet
Location: Giza Plateau, Egypt, 2 km northwest of the Giza Pyramids.
Architectural design: it was designed by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects. The design features a chamfered triangle shape and a distinctive translucent stone wall, inspired by the geometry of the nearby pyramids.
Owner: Government of Egypt.
Client: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Construction partners: A joint venture between BESIX and Orascom Construction
Cost: approximately $1 billion
Groundbreaking: 2006
Official opening: November 1 2025
Key features and exhibits:
- Grand Staircase: A central feature lined with 87 royal statues and other monumental artifacts, including the colossal statue of King Ramses II.
- Tutankhamun Collection: For the first time, the complete collection of over 5,000 artifacts from the tomb of King Tutankhamun will be displayed in one place, including his famous golden death mask, chariots, and furniture.
- Khufu’s Solar Boat: A 4,500-year-old cedar boat, one of the best-preserved vessels from antiquity, will be on display in a dedicated building.
- Exhibition Galleries: The main exhibition halls are organized chronologically, covering periods from the Prehistoric era to the Greco-Roman period. The galleries will showcase a vast range of artifacts, from royal mummies to everyday objects.
- Interactive Technology: The museum incorporates modern technology such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and a mobile app to enhance the visitor experience.
Other facilities: The complex includes an 800-seat auditorium, a children’s museum, an educational center, a library, a conservation center, and a variety of commercial and recreational services, including restaurants and shops.
Also read: Africa’s Largest Museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Faces Major Setback Amid the Israel-Iran War
Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Date Preparations
Additionally, the premier mentioned that preparations ongoing to make the opening event exceptional. Also, he noted that the GEM is another milestone to Egypt’s record of landmark national occasions. The inauguration is expected to draw distinguished international guests and feature a series of accompanying cultural events.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located near the Giza Pyramids. Furthermore, the GEM will be the largest archaeological museum in the world. It spans an area of 490,000 square metres with panoramic pyramid views.
Design
The Grand Egyptian Museum was designed by Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects. The museum will display over 100,000 artefacts from Egypt’s ancient history. Some of the artefacts to be displayed include the complete Tutankhamun collection, exhibited together for the first time since its discovery in 1922. Also, another monumental treasure to be displayed is the 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II.
Other Facilities
The museum also contains advanced conservation laboratories, expansive exhibition halls, educational facilities, and visitor amenities. The museum is envisioned as a global cultural landmark that will boost Egypt’s tourism industry. Additionally, it will complement the Giza Plateau, and position the country as a premier hub for archaeology and heritage preservation.
