Is Egypt's Grand Museum Set to Dazzle with the First Full Display of Tutankhamun's Tomb?

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, is poised to be one of the world's most significant cultural attractions, showcasing over 100,000 artefacts that span seven millennia of Egyptian history. Set to open officially on 4 November 2023, this vast museum aims to reinforce Egypt's cultural heritage and bolster tourism, especially by displaying the complete contents of Tutankhamun's tomb for the first time since its discovery.

Last updated: 01 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Grand Egyptian Museum is on the brink of a highly anticipated opening, with the full display of Tutankhamun's treasures being a major highlight. Egyptologists and enthusiasts alike are eager to see how this new museum will reshape the narrative around Egypt's ancient history and its artefacts, particularly those currently held abroad. The GEM aims to attract millions of visitors annually, which could significantly revive Egypt's tourism sector, severely impacted by recent regional crises and the pandemic.

Key takeaways

The GEM will officially open on 4 November 2023, featuring over 100,000 artefacts.
It will showcase the complete contents of Tutankhamun's tomb for the first time.
The museum is expected to attract around 8 million visitors each year.
Egyptologists are advocating for the return of key artefacts held in foreign museums.
The museum's opening is seen as a potential new golden age for Egyptology and cultural tourism.

Timeline: how we got here

The vision for the Grand Egyptian Museum was first proposed in 1992 during the presidency of Hosni Mubarak. Following years of planning and construction, the project faced numerous challenges, including financial crises, the 2011 Arab Spring, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Key milestones include:

1992: Proposal for the GEM initiated.
2005: Construction officially begins.
2022: Partial opening of certain galleries occurs.
4 November 2023: Scheduled grand opening of the GEM, including the full Tutankhamun exhibit.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the GEM prepares for its grand opening, the focus is on the complete exhibition of Tutankhamun's tomb contents, which have been consolidated into one venue for the first time. This exhibition is expected to draw significant global attention, marking a pivotal moment in Egyptology.

What was already established

The GEM has been in development for nearly two decades and has opened portions to the public since last year. The museum aims to provide a comprehensive narrative of Egyptian history, with a particular emphasis on showcasing artefacts that were previously dispersed across various institutions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The opening of the GEM is likely to influence travel trends, encouraging more UK tourists to visit Egypt. The anticipated return of cultural artefacts may also stimulate discussions around heritage and ownership, impacting perceptions of travelling to historical sites.

Businesses and jobs

The museum's opening is expected to create numerous jobs in tourism, hospitality, and related sectors in Egypt. The influx of tourists could revitalise local economies, especially in areas surrounding the Giza Plateau.

Policy and regulation

As the GEM opens, it could lead to increased dialogue between Egypt and countries holding Egyptian artefacts. Notably, calls for the return of items like the Rosetta Stone from the British Museum may gain momentum, prompting potential policy changes regarding cultural heritage and repatriation.

Numbers that matter

£910 million: Cost of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
100,000: Number of artefacts on display, covering 7,000 years of history.
8 million: Expected annual visitors, which could greatly enhance Egypt's tourism revenue.
5.4 million square feet: Total area of the museum, roughly equivalent to 70 football pitches.
1,800: Number of artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb that have been previously displayed.

Definitions and jargon buster

GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum): The world's largest archaeological museum located near the Giza Pyramids, dedicated to showcasing ancient Egyptian history.
Artefact: An object made by a human being, typically of cultural or historical interest.
Repatriation: The return of cultural property to its country of origin.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the GEM’s opening will attract significant media coverage and tourism. Visitors are expected to flock to see the Tutankhamun collection, potentially leading to sold-out tickets and increased demand for local tours.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the museum settles into its operational phase, focus will likely shift to sustaining visitor interest and enhancing educational programmes. Discussions about the return of artefacts may gain traction, influencing international relations surrounding cultural heritage.

Signals to watch

Visitor numbers and tourist feedback once the museum opens.
Any statements or actions from foreign museums regarding artefact repatriation.
New exhibitions or partnerships announced by the GEM.

Practical guidance

Do

Plan your visit in advance, especially for the Tutankhamun exhibit, which may have limited entry.
Engage with tour guides to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
Stay updated on the museum's events and special exhibitions.

Don’t

Don’t assume all artefacts will be accessible; some may have restricted viewing times.
Don’t rush through the exhibits; take time to appreciate the historical context.
Don’t ignore the cultural significance of the items on display, especially regarding repatriation debates.

Checklist

Check the museum's website for opening hours and ticket availability.
Review the museum layout to plan your route effectively.
Prepare for a range of cultural contexts, including potential language barriers.
Bring a camera (if permitted) to capture memories of your visit.
Consider local customs and practices when engaging with the exhibits and staff.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the GEM represents a significant advancement in Egypt's cultural presence, there are uncertainties surrounding visitor numbers and the museum's ability to sustain interest beyond the initial opening. Additionally, the ongoing discussions regarding the repatriation of artefacts may yield mixed responses from various countries and institutions, complicating diplomatic relations. The museum's success will hinge on its ability to present a compelling narrative while engaging with contemporary debates on cultural heritage.

Bottom line

The Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a monumental achievement for Egypt, both in preserving its heritage and showcasing its cultural significance to the world. As it opens its doors, the GEM not only aims to educate and inspire but also to reignite discussions about the ownership and return of historical artefacts, positioning Egypt as a leader in the global cultural dialogue.

FAQs

What is the Grand Egyptian Museum?

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is anticipated to be the world's largest archaeological museum, housing over 100,000 artefacts from ancient Egypt, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.

When does the Grand Egyptian Museum open?

The GEM is set to officially open on 4 November 2023, with significant exhibitions, including those from Tutankhamun's tomb.

Why is the GEM important for Egypt?

The GEM is crucial for Egypt as it aims to boost tourism, enhance cultural heritage visibility, and advocate for the return of significant artefacts currently held abroad.