Egypt‘s long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum is set to partially open its main galleries on Wednesday, offering visitors a glimpse into the wonders of ancient Egypt. The museum, located near the iconic Giza pyramids and costing over $1 billion so far, will welcome 4,000 visitors as part of a trial run before its official opening date is announced. Construction on the museum has faced numerous delays over the past decade, including setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Grand Egyptian Museum will house more than 100,000 artifacts from Egypt’s ancient treasures, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world. The trial run will help identify any operational issues and overcrowded areas that need to be addressed before the full opening.
The 12 halls that will be open during this trial period explore various aspects of ancient Egyptian society, religion, and doctrine. Each hall is organized by dynasty and historical order and showcases at least 15,000 artifacts. Visitors can expect to see exhibits from eras such as the third intermediate period (1070-664 BC), late period (664-332 BC), Graeco-Roman period (332 BC-AD 395), new kingdom (1550-1070 BC), middle kingdom (2030-1650 BC), and old kingdom (2649-2130 BC). One hall specifically focuses on statues of high-ranking officials who served in different capacities within ancient Egypt.
While parts of the museum have been accessible for limited tours since late 2022 to test visitor experiences and operational readiness, this partial opening marks a significant milestone in bringing Egypt’s rich history to life for both locals and international tourists.
Visitors who have already had a chance to explore sections of the museum have expressed their awe at its offerings. Aude Porcedde from Canada emphasized how important it is for people around the world to learn more about Egyptian civilization. Jorge Licano from Costa Rica highlighted how much there still is to discover about history when coming from different parts of the globe.
During this initial phase, visitors can access areas such as the grand staircase with its breathtaking view of pyramids and a commercial area showcasing sarcophagi and statues. However, other sections like Tutankhamun’s treasure collection are scheduled for later openings.
All halls are equipped with advanced technology and multimedia presentations that provide insights into ancient Egyptian life—particularly focusing on their kings—according to Eissa Zidan, director-general at the museum responsible for preliminary restoration work. Additionally, one hall will utilize virtual reality technology to explain burial practices throughout ancient Egypt.
Zidan emphasizes that beyond being an exhibition space for antiquities enthusiasts worldwide; this museum aims to engage children in learning about ancient Egyptian history—a gift not just for Egyptians but also for people all around our planet.