Grand Egyptian Museum to Begin Partial Trial Run on 16 October, Prepares for Grand Opening

Grand Egyptian Museum

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will begin a partial trial run on Wednesday, 16 October, as per the instructions of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

This announcement was made during a press conference held after Madbouly's visit to Esna Temple in the Luxor governorate on Thursday. The trial run will mark the museum's first public unveiling of its main hall and the gradual opening of some other sections. These steps are part of the preparations leading up to the official grand opening of the museum, which has now reached completion.

Madbouly highlighted the significance of the museum, calling it "Egypt's gift to the world" and emphasizing that it will be the largest museum of its kind globally. He expressed Egypt’s pride in being able to offer such a monumental institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing its ancient heritage.

Since November 2022, the Grand Egyptian Museum has hosted a limited number of events and group tours, allowing visitors to access certain parts of the museum complex. These activities were designed to assess the site's operational readiness and to refine the visitor experience ahead of the official launch.

Situated just two kilometers from the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum occupies an expansive area of 500,000 square meters. It houses the world's largest collection of archaeological treasures, showcasing the depth and richness of Egypt's ancient civilization. Once fully opened, it will stand as the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, offering a remarkable and immersive journey through Egypt's history.

One of the most anticipated features of the museum will be the full display of the treasures of King Tutankhamun. This will be the first time that the complete collection has been exhibited together since the discovery of his tomb in 1922, offering a rare and unique glimpse into the life and legacy of the famed pharaoh.

The Grand Egyptian Museum, with its prime location overlooking the Giza Plateau and close proximity to the iconic pyramids, is expected to become a landmark destination for both Egyptian citizens and international tourists. The museum’s significance goes beyond its architectural grandeur and collection size, serving as a bridge between Egypt’s rich past and its dynamic future.