The world’s largest archaeological museum has finally opened

In preparation for almost a decade, the Grand Egyptian Museum has now opened 12 rooms on a trial basis. An official opening date is awaited.

Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum partially opened its 12 halls on a trial basis, preparing for a future full opening that has yet to be scheduled. Located near the Pyramids of Giza, the museum will display the world’s largest archaeological collection with over 100,000 artefacts that span various eras of ancient Egyptian history, from the Old Kingdom to the Graeco-Roman Period, and will initially host 4,000 visitors per day, testing for potential crowding and operational adjustments.

A view of the interior nearing completion.

A stage in the construction of the buildings that make up the new complex.

A view of the interior nearing completion.

Aerial view of the Grand Egyptian Museum, located 2 km North of the pyramids of Giza and covering an area of 800 hectares. When it opens in October, the campus will include the world’s largest conservation centre, as well as 100,000 m2 of exhibition space plus ancillary service areas.

The 12 halls will feature exhibits on society, religion, and governance in ancient Egypt, organized by dynasty and historical order. Some of the highlights will include the "Elite of the King" hall, displaying statues of royal family members and high officials,  as well as the colossal statue of King Ramses II, which was moved into the Grand Egyptian Museum’s lobby in 2006. However, the treasures of King Tutankhamun discovered in 1922 — including sarcophagi, jewellery, chariots, and decorations totalling nearly 5,000 artefacts — will only be accessible after the official inauguration.

Opening image: photo by 2H Media on Unsplash