Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Cairo’s long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has begun its phased reveal, offering visitors an exclusive glimpse into the world’s largest archaeological museum ahead of its official opening on 2025. Starting on October 16, 2024, the museum has entered trial operations, with twelve meticulously curated galleries now open to the public.
The GEM, located next to the Giza pyramids, spans an impressive 500,000 square meters, housing a vast collection of treasures from Egypt’s ancient past. The Grand Egyptian Museum Authority stated that this trial phase aims to ensure a seamless visitor experience before the museum’s full-scale launch.
The Main Galleries, a centerpiece of the museum, take guests on an immersive journey through over 5,000 years of Egyptian history, from prehistoric times around 700,000 BC to the Roman period in 394 AD. These exhibitions are divided into three interconnected themes: Kingship, Society, and Beliefs, allowing visitors to explore how these elements shaped ancient Egypt’s relationship between its rulers, people, and deities.
Visitors can choose to navigate the galleries chronologically or focus on specific themes, creating personalized journeys through Egypt’s storied past. The collection offers an unparalleled exploration of the country’s cultural evolution, showcasing both individual masterpieces and their broader historical significance.
While the Main Galleries are the current highlight, visitors also have access to the museum’s Children’s Museum, outdoor gardens, and a commercial area featuring restaurants, cafes, and Egyptian-branded shops. One of the museum’s signature features, the Hanging Obelisk, welcomes guests at the entrance. Inside, the Grand Hall displays stunning monuments, including a colossal statue of King Ramesses II and other significant artifacts that bridge the gap between Egypt’s ancient and modern eras.
The Grand Staircase further enhances the museum’s grandeur, lined with over 60 impressive statues, columns, stelae, and sarcophagi, offering a dramatic ascent through Egypt’s royal legacy.
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Despite this initial opening, the museum’s highly anticipated Tutankhamun Gallery remains closed. Set to display the artifacts from the tomb of the famed king, this exhibit will be part of the museum’s full unveiling, though the exact date for this has yet to be announced.
The GEM’s construction, which began more than 20 years ago, has been marred by delays, cost overruns, and political instability. Originally slated to open in 2012, the museum faced numerous setbacks, but the ongoing phased opening marks a significant milestone in its journey.
Since November 2022, the GEM has hosted private tours and events as part of its soft opening. The Recent phase of opening marks significant step forward for the Grand Egyptian Museum as it prepares for its official grand opening the upcoming years, positioning itself as a premier global destination for those seeking to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt.
(Raidi/Agung)
