CAIRO – Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno said all eyes will be on the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on November 1, which is the largest cultural event of the 21st century.
In an editorial to MENA, the minister said this edifice stands as a living story of a nation told through its relics and is seen as a bridge that links glorious past with promising future.
Hanno added the GEM serves as a new gateway to global culture, where the kings and queens of history gather once more upon the threshold of the present, to speak to humanity in their eternal language (the language of civilisation).
He noted that the construction of this museum was a tremendous accomplishment by every measure, as thousands of skilled workforce and brilliant minds worked hard for many years to produce such a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
“Within its towering walls, one can almost imagine Khufu’s solar boats setting sail again toward the light, carrying the scent of history and the secrets of civilization. Here, Ramesses II stands tall beside Akhenaten, the philosopher-king of faith and art; Thutmose III, the warrior strategist; and Hatshepsut, the wise queen — united once more in a timeless tableau that defies the boundaries of time,” the minister said.
“Almost a century ago, in 1922, the world was shaken by a discovery that redefined our understanding of ancient Egypt — when British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of the Golden Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in the Valley of the Kings. It was a historic moment — a magical window into a world of treasures untouched for thousands of years,” he added.
“Imagine Carter’s awe as he peered through that small opening and beheld wonderful things. Little did he know he was standing before a discovery that would transform the field of Egyptology — a golden sarcophagus, a dazzling death mask that became an icon of ancient Egypt, and over five thousand exquisitely crafted artifacts: furniture, jewelry, weapons, and chariots — each one a story, each one a glimpse into the royal life of an ancient world,” Hanno said.
“Now, a century later, the Grand Egyptian Museum rewrites that history anew. For the first time ever, the complete collection of more than 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb will be displayed together in a single exhibition hall. This unprecedented gathering will allow visitors to experience the full narrative of the young king’s life and legacy in its original historical context — an immersive journey transporting them to the very heart of ancient Egyptian civilization,” he added.
“But this magnificent structure is more than stone and glass — it is the embodiment of a national vision, led by the Egyptian State with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities playing a pivotal role in promoting the event and transforming it into a global source of inspiration,” the minister noted.
“From the outset, carefully planned campaigns have prepared Egypt and the world for this historic moment — through introductory events and documentaries that showed the museum’s construction, as well as the transfer and restoration of artifacts,” Hanno said.
“Beyond its opening, the museum is set to become a dynamic cultural hub, hosting seminars, conferences, art programs, and educational initiatives designed to connect young Egyptians with their heritage. The goal is to make every visitor feel pride as they walk among these timeless treasures, to see with their own eyes the greatness of their ancestors, and to know that every stone here speaks of the strength and creativity of a people who never stop striving for greatness,” the minister added.
“The GEM is not merely a repository of antiquities — it is a global cultural icon worthy of Egypt’s ancient civilization. With its unique architecture, expansive galleries, and cutting-edge interactive technology, it offers an unforgettable experience — a living testament to Egypt’s enduring creativity and civilizational power,” the minister stated.
“This moment marks not just an opening, but a new dawn for Egypt — a moment of pride for every Egyptian and a celebration for the entire world. Here, in the heart of Cairo, the legacy of the Pharaohs will shine once again, illuminating the path to the future and reaffirming Egypt’s timeless truth: a nation of history, renewal, and endless inspiration,” he concluded.
