GEM, or The Grand Egyptian Museum houses the most iconic displays and exhibits while showing off its notable features.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, or GEM, includes significant features, unique displays, and awe-inspiring exhibits that no museum enthusiast could pass over.
GEM: The Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum, nicknamed the GEM, is being erected to house the planet's most extensive array of Egyptian relics, notably Tutankhamun's treasures. Showcasing over 100,000 artifacts, it promises an immersive odyssey through ancient Egyptian history. Positioned close to the Giza Pyramids, it offers a rare chance to delve into both ancient and modern wonders in a single visit.
The grand Egyptian museum #grandegyptianmuseum pic.twitter.com/vexhcMcmKn
— The Grand Egyptian Museum -GEM (@EgyptMuseumGem) July 22, 2021
This construction stands as a substantial investment in safeguarding Egypt's cultural legacy. Its multifaceted design as a nexus for Egyptology fosters varied explorations, serving as both a repository and an interactive cultural hub, aiming to spotlight Egypt's ancient civilization and bolster tourism as a pivotal global cultural destination.
Notable Features
The Sphinx Gallery within the Grand Egyptian Museum stands out as a captivating feature, showcasing the colossal Sphinx statue up close. This gallery offers diverse perspectives on this iconic symbol, enabling visitors to marvel at its intricate details and majestic presence.
Dedicated Tutankhamun Galleries house over 5,000 artifacts, including the famed golden mask, jewelry, and chariots, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the life and legacy of the young pharaoh.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by the Grand Staircase, an architectural marvel serving as the central circulation hub. Its sweeping curves and double helix structure not only grant access to various museum levels but also act as an exhibition space, displaying artifacts and narratives of ancient Egyptian history.
Interactive exhibits throughout the museum utilize cutting-edge technology like augmented and virtual reality. These exhibits offer immersive experiences, allowing visitors to explore reconstructed tombs, decipher hieroglyphics, and step into the world of the pharaohs. The museum thus creates a dynamic, educational journey into Egypt's rich history, engaging visitors through innovative means.
Iconic Displays and Awe-Inspiring Exhibits
- Tutankhamun's gold mask, a globally renowned artifact, symbolizes power and beauty with its gemstone adornments.
- The Rosetta Stone, a granite slab from 196 BC, proved pivotal in decoding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
- The Sphinx of Hatshepsut, a colossal statue portraying the female pharaoh, embodies the elegance of Egyptian art.
- The Royal Mummies Hall exhibits mummified pharaohs like Ramses II, revealing ancient burial practices.
- A replica Tomb of Tutankhamun mirrors the original's treasures, offering a glimpse into Howard Carter's discovery.
- The Solar Boat, a fully restored ancient vessel, showcases the Nile's cultural significance in Egyptian trade and culture.
Also Read: 7 Latest Architecture and Design Unmissable Events in October
BONUS Trivia
The Grand Egyptian Museum's inception traces back to 2002, lacking designated firms for construction. In 2003, Heneghan Peng, an Irish architectural firm, won the primary design contract after a global competition involving 300 individuals from 13 firms across 6 nations. Initially budgeted at $500 million, various alterations and delays surged the project's final cost to over $1 billion.
In 2006, amid the new museum's incomplete status, a 3,200-year-old Ramses II statue was relocated from Cairo's congested Ramses Square to prevent further decay. This artifact, among 100,000 anticipated pieces, including 4,549 from King Tutankhamun's tomb, will grace the museum upon completion.
Envisioned to attract 5 million annual visitors, the museum's strategic location near the Pyramids promises improved accessibility, easing traffic congestion between downtown Cairo and Giza, just 2 kilometers away from the iconic Pyramids.
Much-Awaited Opening
The initiative has been in the works for a while, as mentioned. Events such as the Dior Men's 2022 show, which was held near the complex, have kept it on the radar even though the Egyptian government and the Grand Egyptian Museum itself have been silent on the precise opening date. A late 2023 inauguration is being discussed.
Related Article: Ancient Buildings Still Standing as Ancient Concrete Mends Its Own Cracks, Can It Be Used Today?
