Copyright egyptian-gazette
By Dina Yehia In the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) stands as a monumental testament to Egypt’s enduring civilization and forward-looking vision. More than a repository of antiquities, it embodies a national message: Egypt is not only preserving its ancient heritage but also reviving it with a contemporary spirit that unites authenticity and progress. The GEM is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in modern history. This vast edifice, nestled beside the eternal pyramids, is designed to be far more than a museum, it is a beacon of science, culture, and education, opening new horizons for students, researchers, and visitors from around the world to explore the roots of Egyptian identity and the evolution of human civilization. When officially inaugurated, the Grand Egyptian Museum will become the largest archaeological museum in the world, home to more than 100,000 artifacts spanning Egypt’s prehistory through the Greek and Roman eras. Its crown jewel is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time since the young pharaoh’s tomb was discovered in 1922, including his golden mask, jewelry, chariots, and personal belongings that vividly bring his story to life. Visitors will also encounter colossal statues, royal mummies, and everyday tools from thousands of years ago, offering a profound glimpse into the daily lives, beliefs, and achievements of ancient Egyptians. Through cutting-edge design and interactive technology, the museum transforms history from something to observe into something to experience. Beyond exhibitions, GEM is envisioned as a living educational hub. Interactive learning zones invite children to engage in playful discovery, building miniature pyramids, creating digital hieroglyphs, or simulating archaeological digs using touchscreens. These hands-on experiences bring history within reach, making Egypt’s past tangible for younger generations. Professor Mahmoud Hassan Ismail from the Faculty of Postgraduate Childhood Studies at Ain Shams University highlighted the museum’s educational value: “GEM is not just about observation; it’s an opportunity for children to learn and engage. The interactive zones, immersive displays, and creative workshops make history fun and easy to understand,” he said. He further noted that the Children’s Museum within GEM offers young explorers the chance to experience real archaeological activities and learn how ancient Egyptians built their magnificent monuments. Architecturally, GEM’s modern design — with its sweeping glass façade and panoramic view of the pyramids — symbolizes Egypt’s link between a majestic past and a promising future. It is a place where history feels alive, and where every visitor, especially children, can connect personally with the wonders of Egyptian civilization. Professor Ismail praised the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for its tireless efforts in realizing this historic achievement, which shares Egypt’s ancient wisdom and cultural richness with the world. When its doors open, the Grand Egyptian Museum will not only transform Egypt’s cultural landscape but also reaffirm its position as a global hub of history, innovation, and education — bridging millennia and inspiring generations to come.
