Near the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Egypt has unveiled a monumental cultural landmark for the modern era. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), hailed as the world’s largest archaeological museum, has officially opened its doors, showcasing an unparalleled collection of around 100,000 artifacts spanning seven millennia—from pre-dynastic times to the Greek and Roman periods.  

A centerpiece of the museum is the complete contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb, displayed together for the first time since its discovery by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922. Among the treasures are the boy king’s iconic gold funerary mask, his ornate throne, and his ceremonial chariots. Dr. Tarek Tawfik, president of the International Association of Egyptologists and former head of the GEM, explained the significance of the exhibit: “I wanted visitors to experience the tomb exactly as Howard Carter did over a century ago—nothing in storage, nothing scattered across other museums. This is the full story of Tutankhamun.”  

The $1.2 billion museum complex is expected to draw up to 8 million visitors annually, revitalizing Egypt’s tourism sector, which has faced setbacks due to regional instability. Ahmed Seddik, a guide and aspiring Egyptologist at Giza, expressed optimism: “The GEM marks a new golden age for Egyptology and cultural tourism. When Tutankhamun’s collection opens, the world will return—this is the most famous pharaoh in history.”  

While the Tutankhamun exhibit is a major highlight, the museum also features the 4,500-year-old funerary boat of Khufu, one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient vessels. Most galleries have been accessible since last year, but the full public opening on November 4 is anticipated to be a global event.  

Visitors are already marveling at the museum’s grandeur. Spanish tourist Raúl called it an “absolute must-see,” while Sam from London described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” A British traveler, who had previously seen Tutankhamun’s artifacts at Cairo’s older Egyptian Museum, noted, “The old museum was chaotic. The GEM is vast, organized, and breathtaking—it’s a whole new experience.”  

The GEM’s colossal structure spans 500,000 square meters—equivalent to 70 football pitches—with a facade adorned in hieroglyphs and translucent alabaster. Inside, a suspended 16-meter obelisk of Ramesses II and his towering 11-meter statue dominate the space. A grand staircase lined with statues of ancient rulers leads to a panoramic view of the Giza pyramids.  

First proposed in 1992 under President Hosni Mubarak, the museum’s construction began in 2005 and has taken nearly as long as the building of the Great Pyramid itself. Beyond its role as a tourist attraction, the GEM is poised to become a hub for academic research. Egyptian conservators have meticulously restored Tutankhamun’s armor, crafted from textiles and leather—work that, by law, can only be performed by Egyptians.  

The museum’s opening has also reignited calls for the repatriation of key antiquities held abroad, including the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum. Dr. Monica Hanna, a prominent Egyptologist, stated, “The GEM sends a clear message: Egypt is ready to reclaim its heritage.” However, the British Museum told the BBC it has received no formal requests for the stone’s return.  

For Egyptologists and visitors alike, the GEM represents more than a museum—it is a testament to Egypt’s enduring legacy. “We’re showcasing not just ancient history,” Dr. Tawfik emphasized, “but modern Egypt’s achievement. This museum was built by Egypt, for the world.”