At the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), journalists from around the world gathered in excitement to witness the unveiling of Egypt’s ancient artefacts and report on the museum’s significant opening.
For Yu Imaizumi of Japanese news provider, Jiji Press, this moment is both a professional milestone and personal pilgrimage.
“Japanese people really love Egyptian history,” Yu said, his smile radiating warmth.
“We’ve learned about it since childhood. Being here and seeing Japan and Egypt working together in conservation, honours our histories and our shared future,” he told The Egyptian Gazette.
Yu was especially moved by the second solar boat, painstakingly excavated decades ago by a Japanese team and now being restored before the world’s eyes.
“I want to show my audience this priceless moment, the real, original boat, not just a replica, and the delicate process of restoring it. This is our first and last chance to witness such a transformation,” he said. “It’s history in the making. After this, the boat will be preserved forever.”
The scale alone, he said, is staggering: “100,000 artefacts! That alone is enough to astonish”.
For Sofia of publishing company, Global FDI Reports, setting foot in Egypt for the first time is a dream realised.
Enchanted by Cairo’s energy, she marvels, “It’s incredible to witness Egypt’s commitment to its legacy”.
“To gather these treasures all in one place feels like a profound invitation, not only to tourists, but also to the world,” Sofia said.
She is eager to share with her readers the surprises of the galleries, many of which are opening to the public for the first time.
“It’s truly a must-visit for anyone who loves history,” she said with a beautiful smile glinting over her face.
Phan Ba Thi of Voice of Vietnam said his experience of visiting the GEM inspires humility.
“This is more than a masterpiece,” he said. “Every statue, every handwritten record is a bridge between Egypt and humanity. We can’t wait to share this with our audience.”
Nina Attin, who works for ARD, a joint organisation of Germany’s regional public-service broadcasters, paused amid the bustle.
“I hope this new museum is for Egyptians themselves, as well as the world,” Attin said.
Drawn as much to the lives of ordinary Egyptians, past and present, as to the legendary pharaohs, Nina delighted in the authenticity and depth she found here.
“You simply can’t compare it to any other place. These treasures are rooted in this land’s very soul. There’s something truly special about that,” she said.
Domitilla Conte of Italy’s leading news agency, ANSA, was captivated by the museum’s scale and vision.
“It’s the largest we know. Its shape and philosophy are unique,” she said, with her eyes exuding admiration.
“As a correspondent, I want to tell the story not just of what’s inside, but what this museum means for Egypt today, and for all of us who cherish history,” she said.
