Egypt opens GEM, world’s largest single-civilisation museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has officially opened its doors to the public, marking the end of a decades-long journey to create the largest museum in the world dedicated exclusively to a single ancient civilisation.
Located just two kilometres from the Giza Pyramids, the $1.2 billion complex spans 490,000 square meters and features over 168,000 square meters of exhibition space. It now houses more than 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection of over 5,400 items, displayed together for the first time in history.
A grand inauguration ceremony attended by world leaders and dignitaries celebrated the milestone. The museum had faced repeated delays due to financial challenges, political events, and the global COVID-19 pandemic before achieving full public access.
“The GEM is more than a museum. It is a global cultural landmark that tells the full story of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations,” said Dr. Ahmed Issa, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.
Designed by Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum emphasizes natural light, open spaces, and modern curation. Visitors enter through a towering Grand Atrium featuring an 83-ton statue of Ramses II. The nearby Khufu solar boat, a 4,600-year-old royal vessel measuring 43 meters in length, is displayed in a dedicated gallery.
The complex includes 12 main galleries, a conservation centre, and panoramic views of the pyramids. It operates daily except Saturdays and Wednesdays starting November 4, with tickets available online or on-site.
Experts confirm the GEM holds the title of the largest museum in the world dedicated to one ancient civilization. While institutions like the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London display vast collections, they cover multiple cultures across history.
The National Museum of China, though larger in total area at 200,000 square meters, includes modern and political exhibits alongside ancient Chinese artifacts. By contrast, every object in the GEM belongs to Ancient Egypt, spanning over 7,000 years of Pharaonic history. Highlights include royal mummies, golden jewellery, stone sarcophagi, and rare papyri.
UNESCO-affiliated archaeologists have called the GEM “the most comprehensive repository of a single ancient culture.” Guinness World Records is expected to grant official certification in 2026 following final audits.
Since a soft launch in October 2024, the museum welcomed approximately 1.5 million visitors by mid-2025. Officials expect the full opening to significantly increase tourism, a key pillar of Egypt’s economy. “The GEM places Egypt at the centre of global cultural heritage once again,” said Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt.
“It is a source of national pride and a gift to the world,” he added. With its unmatched scale, singular focus, and historic treasures, the Grand Egyptian Museum has begun a new chapter in preserving and presenting the legacy of Ancient Egypt.
Written by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He’s as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
