Egypt Civilisation Series: “What do you know about...?” The Grand Egyptian Museum.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is one of the world's greatest cultural projects, reflecting Egypt's ambition to showcase its ancient history in a modern and engaging way. Located in Giza, near one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the museum seamlessly blends the brilliance of ancient Egyptian civilization with cutting-edge technology in its design and exhibition organization. It is one of the largest and most significant museums globally, not only in terms of size but also in the value of its historical artifacts.

History of the Grand Egyptian Museum: The idea of establishing the Grand Egyptian Museum dates back to the early 1990s. The project was officially launched in 2002 with the approval of the Egyptian government and in collaboration with numerous international institutions. The primary objective was to create a museum that befits Egypt's cultural and historical stature, showcasing the artifacts of ancient Egyptian civilization in an interactive and distinctive manner for a global audience. The museum was originally scheduled to open in 2020, but the opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to fully open in the near future. The museum is a significant step in Egypt's plan to develop cultural tourism and increase interest in its ancient history.

Location: The Grand Egyptian Museum is located in the Giza Plateau, near the Great Pyramids of Giza. This location is ideal for visitors, as they can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the pyramids from within the museum. This location enhances the cultural and archaeological experience for visitors, who can view impressive historical exhibits while enjoying the iconic pyramid views in the background. The museum is a short distance from Cairo International Airport and is also close to several prominent tourist sites such as the Islamic Art Museum and the Coptic Museum, making a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum part of a comprehensive cultural tourism experience.

Museum Design: The Grand Egyptian Museum was designed by Heneghan Peng Architects and is considered a blend of ancient heritage and modern technological advancement. The museum's architectural design reflects the shape of a pyramid, and it relies on open spaces and natural light to create an ideal environment for visitors. The museum consists of several main buildings, including:

• The Main Exhibition Hall: Houses spaces dedicated to displaying major artifacts, such as the Tutankhamun collection.
• Interactive Facilities: Interactive displays allow visitors to engage with exhibits and learn about history in an enjoyable way.
• Conference and Events Hall: Hosts seminars and cultural performances.

Collections on Display at the Grand Egyptian Museum: The Grand Egyptian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts representing various eras of ancient Egyptian history, particularly Pharaonic artifacts. Some of the most notable collections include:

• Tutankhamun's Collection: One of the museum's most prominent exhibits is the collection of King Tutankhamun, one of the most famous collections in the history of archaeology. This collection includes over 5,000 artifacts, including the iconic Tutankhamun mask, which is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. These artifacts will be displayed using modern lighting and digital media techniques to introduce visitors to the history of the young king and his era.
• Statues of the Pharaohs: The museum houses numerous large statues of pharaohs such as Ramses II, Amenhotep III, Hatshepsut, and a statue of Queen Nefertiti.
• Royal Mummies: The museum also contains mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens discovered in the Valley of the Kings, as well as many of the tools and funerary equipment used in the mummification process.
• Everyday Artifacts: The museum also displays a collection of artifacts representing daily life in ancient Egypt, such as pottery, furniture, jewelry, and writing tools.
• Greek and Roman Artifacts: The museum houses artifacts from the Greek and Roman periods that followed the Persian occupation of Egypt. The exhibits include statues and tools reflecting the influence of Greek and Roman cultures on Egypt.
• Islamic Collections: The museum plans to display a collection of artifacts reflecting the history of Islamic periods in Egypt, including Islamic tools and decorations, offering cultural and geographical diversity to visitors.

Modern Technology in the Museum: The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the most technologically advanced museums. The museum will use technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), allowing visitors to have an interactive and immersive experience. For example, visitors can use AR technology to learn more about artifacts in an interactive way, and they can also "travel" to ancient Egypt and witness reconstructions of life in that era.

The Museum's Role in Cultural Tourism: The Grand Egyptian Museum is a significant addition to Egypt's cultural tourism scene. In addition to attracting visitors from Egypt and abroad to enjoy the exhibits of ancient Pharaonic civilization, the museum also helps to enhance Egypt's position as a leading cultural tourism destination. The museum is expected to attract millions of visitors annually and be a major attraction for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Conclusion: The Grand Egyptian Museum is a massive cultural project that reflects Egypt's pride in its ancient history and civilization. It is not only a place to display artifacts but also a center for learning and interacting with ancient Egyptian heritage using modern technologies. The Grand Egyptian Museum is an ambitious project that will elevate the level of cultural tourism in Egypt and is expected to be a major destination for visitors from around the world, contributing to a deeper global understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.