Cairo Oct 15 (PortharcourtHQ) – In a significant milestone for Egyptian cultural heritage, Egypt officially opened several galleries in its long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on Tuesday. While the glittering treasures of King Tutankhamun and the solar boats of the Pyramid of Khufu remain under wraps for now, the opening of these galleries marks the beginning of a “trial operation” of the museum after more than 20 years of planning and construction delays.
Originally scheduled to open in 2012, the GEM’s unveiling was repeatedly delayed due to political upheavals and cost overruns. However, the project has been reignited with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly overseeing the phased launch of the museum. A formal inauguration is expected, with many world leaders expressing interest in attending the grand event, although no specific date has been set.
The new galleries feature a wealth of ancient treasures!
The new galleries feature a wealth of ancient treasures, with Pharaonic statues greeting visitors in the main entrance hall, which has been open since February 2023. Ali Abu Dshish, a member of the Egyptian Archaeologists Union, expressed pride in the museum’s role in reclaiming Egypt’s antiquities that have long been dispersed across the globe. “It’s an important message that we can recover our antiquities…,” he stated, emphasizing the museum’s capacity to finally house these artifacts.
For tourists, the partial opening has already proven to be a draw. Kseniia Muse, a visitor from Russia, described the museum as a modern marvel where one can experience Egypt’s ancient history up close. “We are so happy to be here…,” she said, adding that the contrast between modernity and ancient history is fascinating.
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Egypt is banking on the museum’s full opening to revive its tourism sector, a key source of foreign revenue. The country has faced economic challenges exacerbated by external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The GEM is seen as a pivotal attraction to increase visitor numbers and boost Egypt’s foreign currency reserves.
Most renowned artifacts housed in the Egyptian Museum!
Until now, Egypt’s most renowned artifacts were housed in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo, which has remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1902. With the Grand Egyptian Museum offering a modernized and expansive space, Egypt is set to elevate its status as a global center for archaeology and history, with the final unveiling of King Tutankhamun’s treasures eagerly awaited by millions.
Immersive experience of Egypt’s ancient civilization
Meanwhile, visitors are already flocking to GEM. The museum’s strategic location near the Giza pyramids makes it a must-visit destination for tourists, providing an immersive experience of Egypt’s ancient civilization in one of the world’s most iconic settings. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy, and the government is relying on attractions like GEM to boost foreign currency inflows, especially as the country faces economic pressures.
GEM’s phased opening and the anticipation of its grand inauguration have also made headlines globally. International archaeologists, historians, and scholars are closely watching how Egypt leverages this historic moment, which not only celebrates its past but also builds its future as a cultural powerhouse.
As the countdown to the unveiling of King Tutankhamun’s treasures continues, the museum is poised to become a global focal point for those fascinated by ancient history. The world is eagerly waiting for GEM’s full launch, which promises to reshape the way Egyptian history is experienced and understood.
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