Grand Egyptian Museum to open to public after official inauguration

he Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza Pyramids - including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - will open to visitors the day after its official inauguration on Nov. 3.

The museum brings together more than 100,000 archaeological artifacts spanning eras from pre-dynastic Egypt to the Greek and Roman periods. Among its highlights are the treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun - known as the “Boy King” and the “Golden Pharaoh” - the solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid, and the collection of his mother, Queen Hetepheres I.

Situated west of Cairo with a panoramic view of the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum allows visitors to see all of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed in one place for the first time.

In an interview on Saturday, Egyptian archaeologist Magdi Shakir told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the museum’s opening will offer visitors a “unique experience.”

“The museum presents an impressive display with more than 5,000 artifacts belonging to Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who lived over 3,000 years ago,” Shakir said. “It houses some of the world’s most beautiful archaeological treasures and honors one of the most famous pharaohs in history.”

Shakir said visitors would enjoy not only the artifacts but also the way they are presented. “More than 5,000 items, including Tutankhamun’s iconic mask, will be exhibited in two halls covering over 7,000 square meters,” he said.

Each hall will showcase artifacts from specific historical periods, while other sections will explore ancient Egyptian beliefs and religious practices.

“In the past, artifacts from the Old, Middle or New Kingdoms were displayed separately,” Shakir said. “Now, each theme is presented in a panoramic narrative. Every artifact in the Grand Egyptian Museum follows a unique curatorial story, offering a fresh perspective even on familiar pieces - making it an unprecedented experience.”

He noted that the museum’s design facilitates visitor flow, with dedicated areas for transportation, dining, and souvenirs. From the “Window of Eternity,” visitors will be able to view the Giza Pyramids. The museum is expected to attract between 5 million and 8 million visitors annually.

Egyptian archaeology researcher Omar Hadri described the museum as a “massive project.”

“This is not just a museum,” Hadri said. “It’s a symbol that retells Egypt’s cultural heritage to the world. Alongside the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and the Coptic and Islamic art museums, it adds a new dimension to the country’s historic landscape.”