On November 1, a momentous event unfolded at the Pyramids of Giza. Royalty, politicians, celebrities, and media from around the world gathered for the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum – a project two decades in the making. The grandeur of the opening ceremony, steeped in Egypt’s unparalleled history as a cradle of civilization, resonated globally, transcending time and borders.
Also known as GEM, it is the largest museum in the world dedicated to the history of a single civilization, which, over the years, had its treasures scattered across Europe and the United States in various museums, some as part of temporary exhibitions.
After years of meticulous preparation, these scattered treasures are set to return to their rightful home, back to where it all began. This monumental event is not just a museum opening, but a poignant symbol of Egypt reclaiming its legacy, a legacy that its descendants can now directly connect with.
Amidst an atmosphere charged with awe, excitement, and celebration, the opening ceremony captivated hundreds of millions of viewers across all five continents. The ambitious, well-thought-out production was a dazzling showcase of the best of Egyptian art and culture, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Opening remarks were made by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, while performances by Egyptian sopranos Fatma Said and Ragaa El-Din Ahmed, accompanied by live orchestras from around the world, featured music by Hisham Nazih and were conducted by Egyptian maestro Nayer Nagui, as a way to celebrate Egypt’s artistic legacy worldwide.
A parade shortly followed with celebrities and talents such as actresses Huda El Mufti and Salma Abu Deif, outfitted in modern yet timeless pharaonic attire that referenced various historical icons such as Hapshephut, Rameses II, and Nefertiti, all done with esteemed costume designers Mai Galal and Khaled Azzam ( they are the same designers behind the Egyptian Grand Parade, a few years ago)
In the meantime, Hundreds of drones created a light show in the evening sky, and depicted well-known Egyptian gods like Isis and Osiris, royal icons, and the pyramids. After the ceremony, guests were shown around and were treated by the granite statue of Ramses the Great, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, who reigned for 60 years, from 1279 to 1213 B.C.
In addition to the 12 main galleries that opened last year, two new halls were opened for the first time after Saturday, which were dedicated to the 5,000 artifacts from the collection of King “Tut” Tutankhamun, the famous boy pharaoh who ruled from 1333 to 1323 B.C.
The tomb was discovered in 199 at Luxor by British archaeologist Howard Carter and has since been stored at the original Egyptian Museum, located in downtown Cairo, which lacked sufficient space to display the entire collection.
With the museum now fully open and scores of ancient artifacts set to be fully displayed for the first time, there are high hopes that it will bolster the country’s tourism economy in the years to come.
To check out the Grand Egyptian Museum check their official website here: https://gem.eg/
