Egypt Opens $1B Grand Egyptian Museum Displaying Tutankhamun's Treasures

Egypt officially opened the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza Pyramids, marking it as the world's largest museum dedicated to a single ancient civilization and housing over 100,000 artifacts spanning more than 7,000 years of history. The museum's centerpiece is the complete collection of treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb, displayed together for the first time, including his golden burial mask and thousands of other objects. The institution, a $1 billion project constructed over two decades with significant support from Japan, aims to serve as a premier cultural and research center, boosting Egypt's tourism industry with an expected 8 million visitors annually. The museum's inauguration was attended by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, and numerous international dignitaries, accompanied by a grand celebration featuring music, laser shows, and performances celebrating Egypt's heritage. GEM replaces the century-old Egyptian Museum in Cairo and is considered a symbol of Egypt's cultural resilience, identity, and its commitment to preserving and promoting ancient history on a global scale. This project not only enhances Egypt's global cultural standing but also reflects a new chapter in the nation's present and future as a center of heritage and knowledge.