Egypt has officially opened the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a massive new cultural landmark located beside the Giza Pyramids, following a construction process that stretched over 20 years and faced repeated delays caused by political upheaval, global crises, and regional conflict.
Saturday’s inauguration ceremony drew a host of global dignitaries, including heads of state, prime ministers and royal family members, to witness an elaborate opening night display featuring drone light formations, orchestral performances and dancers in ancient Egyptian-inspired costumes.
Speaking at the event, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly called the museum “a gift from Egypt to the entire world,” while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi described the launch as the beginning of “a new chapter” for a nation with more than 7,000 years of recorded history.
The museum will house one of the most extensive collections of ancient artefacts ever assembled under one roof, including the full display of treasures recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun – from his iconic gold mask to thousands of preserved objects that have rarely been seen by the public.
With an estimated price tag exceeding $1 billion, financed largely through Japanese loans, the complex spans roughly 120 acres, putting it on par with Vatican City in size. Its contemporary architectural design is intended to contrast sharply with the older Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, which suffered damage and theft during the 2011 unrest.
Officials hope the new site, which has already been partially open in stages over the past year, will boost tourism revenue and strengthen Egypt’s claims for the return of artefacts currently held in museums abroad.
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They also argue that the GEM demonstrates Egypt’s ability to preserve its own heritage — after years in which critics accused the state of falling short in protecting priceless antiquities.
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Source:Africa Publicity
