World watches as Egypt restores ancient brilliance

National dream realized: President Sisi opens GEM tonight

The GEM is poised to fundamentally reshape cultural tourism in Egypt, serving as a beacon that reflects the unparalleled richness of Egyptian ancient civilization. This long-awaited complex fulfills a national dream, blending thousands of years of historical record with cutting-edge modern architecture.

Over 60 heads of state, monarchs, and prime ministers have confirmed their attendance for the landmark event. Dignitaries from Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Cyprus, Turkey, Italy, and the Netherlands will be among those present. Following the 90-minute inauguration ceremony, attending presidents and kings will receive an exclusive tour of the museum’s grand halls.

The Egyptian government has declared the opening day of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) an official paid holiday.

Media coverage

The opening is set to become a global media event, with hundreds of television channels, networks, and international platforms broadcasting the ceremony live to hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service (SIS), emphasized that the world is eagerly awaiting this unprecedented cultural, tourist, and historical moment, underscoring its significance for those interested in human cultural heritage. Adding to the importance of the opening is the expected participation of the largest gathering of world leaders, heads of state, and international cultural figures.

To cover this historic celebration, the SIS has granted media coverage permits to 450 correspondents representing 180 international media outlets. These include accredited journalists residing in Egypt and visitors who traveled specifically for the event.

Modern hub for antiquities

The GEM is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. Located on a vast 500,000-square-meter site overlooking the Giza Pyramids, this modern cultural hub is set to redefine the museum experience.

Housing over 100,000 artifacts, the GEM’s centerpiece is the long-awaited display of the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures, shown together for the very first time. Visitors will be welcomed by a colossal Ramses II statue in the atrium and ascend a monumental staircase, leading to galleries, a state-of-the-art conservation center, and immersive, modern exhibits.

Adding to its monumental scale is the unique, 53-foot-high Hanging Obelisk at the main entrance—the only one of its kind in the world. This 3,500-year-old structure is suspended overhead on a modern frame with a glass floor, allowing visitors an unprecedented, upward view of its ancient inscriptions.