After more than two decades of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened its doors to the world in a spectacular ceremony. This modern marvel, situated a mere 2 kilometres from the iconic Pyramids of Giza, now stands as a testament to ancient and contemporary Egyptian achievement on a truly epic scale.
The grand opening on Saturday, November 8, 2025, was a global event, attended by kings, world leaders, and dignitaries from approximately 60 countries. Journalist Dawn Gibson-Fawcett was among the privileged first guests to experience the finished museum, noting the ceremony was meticulously planned for maximum impact.
A Moving Spectacle and a Hopeful Message
One of the most poignant moments of the evening was a powerful performance dedicated to peace. Over 150 musicians and artists from Egypt and across the globe came together to play a composition by renowned Egyptian composer Hesham Nazih. The message resonated deeply, given the context of conflict in the neighbouring region.
With the festivities concluded, Egypt now looks to the future. The country, which relies heavily on tourism, is banking on this new attraction to provide a significant economic boost. Authorities anticipate the museum will draw up to 5 million visitors annually, showcasing Egypt's rich history to the world.
The Crown Jewel: Tutankhamun's Treasures
Without a doubt, the star attraction is the complete collection of treasures from the tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun. For the first time since their discovery by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, all 5000 artefacts are displayed together.
King Tut, who reigned for just nine years around 1320 BCE before his untimely death, has captivated the world for a century. Egyptian officials wisely kept the Tutankhamun Galleries under wraps until the official launch, building anticipation.
Visitors are now immersed in his world through two expansive, state-of-the-art halls. The exhibition narrates the pharaoh's life, reign, funeral, and elaborate preparations for the afterlife. Key pieces, including six chariots and three funeral beds, have been painstakingly restored at a massive underground conservation centre. They now sit alongside his iconic gold funerary mask and sarcophagus.
This is a world away from the cramped displays at the old Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The new gallery uses high-tech multimedia and thematic spaces to create a breathtaking, sun-inspired journey through the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Beyond King Tut: Ancient Ships and Colossal Statues
The museum's wonders extend far beyond a single pharaoh's tomb. Another must-see is the Khufu boat, the world's oldest intact ship. This 43-metre-long vessel, discovered buried near the Great Pyramid, was meant for Pharaoh Khufu's use in the afterlife. Visitors can also watch restorers reassemble a second solar boat in a glass-fronted lab.
Other highlights include:
- A six-storey grand staircase lined with colossal statues of gods and sarcophagi.
- Artefacts from recent excavations at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara.
- The impressive 11-metre granite colossus of Ramesses II.
With so much ground to cover across its 500,000 square metre site, the museum can be overwhelming. For those with limited time, highly informative 90-minute guided tours in English are offered several times daily. They provide an excellent overview before exploring the 100,000 artefacts at your own pace.
Fact File: The Grand Egyptian Museum is located about 30 minutes' drive from downtown Cairo. For more information, visit grandegyptianmuseum.org.
