The Grand Egyptian Museum, a monumental project located near the iconic Giza Pyramids, is set to open 12 exhibition halls to the public this week as part of a trial run ahead of its highly anticipated official opening. Officials announced this development on Tuesday, revealing plans for the museum to welcome 4,000 visitors daily starting Wednesday.
With construction spanning over a decade and costs exceeding $1 billion, the Grand Egyptian Museum aims to become the largest archaeological museum in the world, housing more than 100,000 artifacts from Egypt’s rich ancient history. Despite previous delays—often attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic—certain sections have been operational since 2022, allowing for limited tours to assess visitor experience and operational readiness.
Al-Tayeb Abbas, assistant to the Minister of Antiquities, emphasized that this trial phase will provide valuable insights into the museum’s functionality, helping to identify potential overcrowding issues and operational challenges. The exhibition halls will explore various themes related to society, religion, and doctrine in ancient Egypt, organized chronologically by dynasty.
Visitors can expect to see displays from several key historical periods, including the Third Intermediate Period (approximately 1070-664 B.C.), the Late Period (664-332 B.C.), the Graeco-Roman Period (332 B.C.-395 A.D.), the New Kingdom (1550-1070 B.C.), the Middle Kingdom (2030-1650 B.C.), and the Old Kingdom (2649-2130 B.C.). One notable hall is dedicated to the “Elite of the King,” showcasing statues and representations of royal family members and high-ranking officials involved in the military, priesthood, and government.
Limited tours have been conducted at the museum since late 2022, aimed at refining the visitor experience and ensuring operational effectiveness. Feedback from early visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Aude Porcedde, a Canadian tourist, expressed her admiration for the museum, highlighting the importance of Egyptian civilization for global awareness. Costa Rican tourist Jorge Licano echoed this sentiment, noting the wealth of history and learning opportunities available at the site.
The Grand Egyptian Museum features a grand staircase that rises six stories high, offering stunning views of the pyramids. Visitors can also explore a commercial area displaying various artifacts, including sarcophagi and statues. However, some of the museum’s most notable sections, such as the treasures of King Tutankhamun, will open at later dates.
Each hall is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including multimedia presentations that vividly portray the lives of ancient Egyptians and their kings. Notably, one hall will utilize virtual reality to illustrate the history and evolution of burial practices throughout ancient Egypt.
Eissa Zidan, the director-general of preliminary restoration and antiquities transfer at the museum, emphasized that the institution is not merely a showcase for antiquities but aims to engage younger audiences in the history of ancient Egypt. “The museum is a gift to all the world,” Zidan stated, underscoring its mission to educate and inspire future generations.
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