Egypt Opens $1 Billion Grand Egyptian Museum Near Giza Pyramids

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental $1 billion archaeological complex near the Pyramids of Giza, has officially opened after more than two decades of planning and delays. Spanning over 470,000 square meters, it is the largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, housing more than 50,000 ancient artifacts including the 4,500-year-old solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu and a massive statue of Ramesses II. The museum integrates cutting-edge technology and immersive multimedia exhibits to engage modern audiences, particularly targeting Generation Z with interactive and mixed-reality displays. The project, long postponed due to regional conflicts and funding issues, is part of Egypt's broader strategy to revive tourism and bolster its economy, with the government aiming to double visitor numbers by 2032. The museum's opening has been celebrated nationwide as a gift from Egypt to the world, accompanied by national holidays and extensive media coverage, although security concerns remain following a recent theft of a gold artifact. The GEM stands as a symbol of Egypt's cultural legacy and ambition to position Cairo as a global tourism hub through significant infrastructure improvements.