The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Stunning New Cultural Landmark
Jun 1
Regarding cultural landmarks, few places can compare to Egypt and its millennia-old civilization. From the pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor, the country is a veritable treasure trove of historical wonders that have captivated visitors for centuries. But even as impressive as these sites may be, there's always room for more, which is where the Grand Egyptian Museum comes in. Set to open in 2021, this ambitious project promises to be a stunning new addition to Egypt's rich cultural landscape, showcasing thousands of artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of this fascinating civilization like never before. In this post, we'll look at the Grand Egyptian Museum and why it's poised to become a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.
Introduction to the Grand Egyptian Museum
If you are planning a trip to Egypt sometime in the near future, then there is an astounding new cultural landmark that you definitely cannot afford to miss - the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). This amazing museum, located just outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau, will be the largest archaeological museum in the world that is dedicated to ancient Egypt artefacts. With its estimated opening set for late-2023, it will also be one of the world's most modern and well-renowned museums. Featuring some of the most impressive pieces of Egyptian art and artefacts, the museum is truly a sight to behold.
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum has been a monumental journey. From the laying of the cornerstone to the awarding of design contracts, to the outbreak of the Arab Spring to dips in tourism causing financial woes, to the near completion of the project today, so much has happened. Interestingly, the design of the building was decided through an architectural competition, just like the great library of Alexandria. The competition was announced on 7th January 2002, and the organizers received 1557 entries from 82 countries, which makes it the second-largest architectural competition in history. In the second stage of the competition, exactly 20 entries were asked to submit additional information about their design.
The design of this stunning new cultural landmark utilizes the level difference to construct a new surface defined by a veil of translucent stone that magically transforms from day to night. The museum exists between the level of and the plateau, never extending above the whole plateau. It sits 2 km west of funerary monuments near a motorway interchange. The building's north and south walls line up perfectly with the.
Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, you will find some of the most advanced technology in the world. From virtual reality and virtual augmentation to interactive exhibits and 3D models, the museum will use all the modern tools available to bring the history of ancient Egypt to life. One of the unique areas in the museum is the restoration centre, which is in the space of 32 thousand meters, 10 meters below the ground and connected by a 300 m tunnel to the museum for transporting the artefacts after restoration. There are about 19 laboratories that will handle all types of preserving and restoring, such as a vase, glass, metal lab, wood lab, stone lab, and microbiological lab. All are responsible for restoring the various artefacts of amazing historical significance.
When completed, the Grand Egyptian Museum will not only be the new crown jewel of Egypt, but it will also be a beacon of hope for preserving ancient culture and continuing learning about our shared human history. Don't miss your chance to witness this amazing journey from concept to architectural masterpiece. If you're interested in being notified when the GEM's opening date is announced, sign up for their list. For more information about travelling to and around Egypt from an independent but highly experienced perspective, check out our sister website, EgyptTravelBlog.com, and the Egypt Travel Podcast. [1][2]
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum has been a monumental journey. From the laying of the cornerstone to the awarding of design contracts, to the outbreak of the Arab Spring to dips in tourism causing financial woes, to the near completion of the project today, so much has happened. Interestingly, the design of the building was decided through an architectural competition, just like the great library of Alexandria. The competition was announced on 7th January 2002, and the organizers received 1557 entries from 82 countries, which makes it the second-largest architectural competition in history. In the second stage of the competition, exactly 20 entries were asked to submit additional information about their design.
The design of this stunning new cultural landmark utilizes the level difference to construct a new surface defined by a veil of translucent stone that magically transforms from day to night. The museum exists between the level of and the plateau, never extending above the whole plateau. It sits 2 km west of funerary monuments near a motorway interchange. The building's north and south walls line up perfectly with the.
Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, you will find some of the most advanced technology in the world. From virtual reality and virtual augmentation to interactive exhibits and 3D models, the museum will use all the modern tools available to bring the history of ancient Egypt to life. One of the unique areas in the museum is the restoration centre, which is in the space of 32 thousand meters, 10 meters below the ground and connected by a 300 m tunnel to the museum for transporting the artefacts after restoration. There are about 19 laboratories that will handle all types of preserving and restoring, such as a vase, glass, metal lab, wood lab, stone lab, and microbiological lab. All are responsible for restoring the various artefacts of amazing historical significance.
When completed, the Grand Egyptian Museum will not only be the new crown jewel of Egypt, but it will also be a beacon of hope for preserving ancient culture and continuing learning about our shared human history. Don't miss your chance to witness this amazing journey from concept to architectural masterpiece. If you're interested in being notified when the GEM's opening date is announced, sign up for their list. For more information about travelling to and around Egypt from an independent but highly experienced perspective, check out our sister website, EgyptTravelBlog.com, and the Egypt Travel Podcast. [1][2]
Size and Location of the Museum
Welcome to The Grand Egyptian Museum, a stunning new cultural landmark set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world. With an astonishing size of 81000 square metres, it is currently under construction in Giza, Egypt, and will showcase the complete collection of ancient Egypt artefacts.
Located approximately 2 kilometres from the pyramids, the museum sits on a sprawling plot of land that spans 480000 square metres. Its unique triangular design is bound to capture your attention, and the front of the museum features a grand plaza filled with date palms and a made of stone. Inside the museum, as you enter through its main entrance, you will be awestruck by the vast hall that houses large statues awaiting display.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of our most ambitious construction works, built with state-of-the-art technologies that will allow visitors to experience the best of ancient Egypt. The Museum is designed to accommodate up to 5 million visitors per year, and ticket prices are one billion dollars, mostly financed by two loans from the Japanese government totalling 300 million dollars.
In designing the museum, an architectural competition was announced on 7th January 2002, which received 1557 entries from 82 countries, making it the second-largest competition in the world. The competition was won by Roisin Heneghan and Shi-Fu Peng, who created their Irish company Heneghan Peng and worked on the building’s structure that was constructed by the Belgian company BESIX in a joint venture with Orascom Construction (OC) for the cost of 810 million dollars. Arup was the main structural engineer, with Buro Happold as the Services engineer.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to house artefacts that have never been displayed in any other exhibition. It will showcase 122 advanced displays created by an Italian company, designed to offer ideal protection to all the organic, artistic and delicate artefacts.
The museum will be more than a place to showcase history and art; it will be an international centre of communication between museums worldwide, promoting direct contact between local and international museums. It will have laboratories for restoration, 19 in total, responsible for preserving and restoring artefacts made of all materials. You'll find wood, stone, and microbiological lab, to mention a few examples.
Don't forget to visit the restoration centre, located in 32 thousand meters, ten meters underground, and connected via a 300 m tunnel to the museum for transporting the artefacts after restoration. The restoration centre is one of the most important areas of the museum. Lastly, let's not forget the 3200-year-old, 82-tone statue of Ramses the Great, showcased in the museum's atrium, and the hall dedicated to the Solar boat of Khufu, making the Grand Egyptian Museum an awe-inspiring testament to Egypt's historical past. [3][4]
Located approximately 2 kilometres from the pyramids, the museum sits on a sprawling plot of land that spans 480000 square metres. Its unique triangular design is bound to capture your attention, and the front of the museum features a grand plaza filled with date palms and a made of stone. Inside the museum, as you enter through its main entrance, you will be awestruck by the vast hall that houses large statues awaiting display.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of our most ambitious construction works, built with state-of-the-art technologies that will allow visitors to experience the best of ancient Egypt. The Museum is designed to accommodate up to 5 million visitors per year, and ticket prices are one billion dollars, mostly financed by two loans from the Japanese government totalling 300 million dollars.
In designing the museum, an architectural competition was announced on 7th January 2002, which received 1557 entries from 82 countries, making it the second-largest competition in the world. The competition was won by Roisin Heneghan and Shi-Fu Peng, who created their Irish company Heneghan Peng and worked on the building’s structure that was constructed by the Belgian company BESIX in a joint venture with Orascom Construction (OC) for the cost of 810 million dollars. Arup was the main structural engineer, with Buro Happold as the Services engineer.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to house artefacts that have never been displayed in any other exhibition. It will showcase 122 advanced displays created by an Italian company, designed to offer ideal protection to all the organic, artistic and delicate artefacts.
The museum will be more than a place to showcase history and art; it will be an international centre of communication between museums worldwide, promoting direct contact between local and international museums. It will have laboratories for restoration, 19 in total, responsible for preserving and restoring artefacts made of all materials. You'll find wood, stone, and microbiological lab, to mention a few examples.
Don't forget to visit the restoration centre, located in 32 thousand meters, ten meters underground, and connected via a 300 m tunnel to the museum for transporting the artefacts after restoration. The restoration centre is one of the most important areas of the museum. Lastly, let's not forget the 3200-year-old, 82-tone statue of Ramses the Great, showcased in the museum's atrium, and the hall dedicated to the Solar boat of Khufu, making the Grand Egyptian Museum an awe-inspiring testament to Egypt's historical past. [3][4]
History of the Museum Construction
Are you planning a trip to Egypt? If so, put the Grand Egyptian Museum on your must-visit list. This new cultural landmark, set to open in late 2023, will host one of the world's largest and most renowned collections. Located just outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau, next to the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum is an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the country's rich history.
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum has been a long journey, filled with complex challenges and inspiring achievements. It all started with laying the cornerstone by the late Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak more than 20 years ago. Since then, the project has faced setbacks, including the Arab Spring and dips in tourism, but it has finally reached its finishing stages. Today, the museum showcases an impressive 83-ton 3200-year-old statue of Ramses II in its lobby, part of the permanent collection.
To safely install priceless antiquities like the Ramses II statue, the museum's team employed laser scanning and 3D modelling. These technologies were used to document the estimated 100,000 artefacts showcasing Egyptian civilization from prehistory to the Greco-Roman period. Coupled with BIM technology, which coordinated over 150 subcontractors and 5,000 on-site workers, the result is a complex but environmentally-friendly building design flexible enough to accommodate different exhibition experiences.
The transport and installation of the Ramses II statue is just one example of how digital technology has made the process efficient and less risky. Before bringing the statue into the museum, it was laser scanned to generate a 3D model that could be placed within the expansive building information model. This allowed the team to simulate the statue's approach ahead of time and ensure it could be safely conveyed into the atrium. Moreover, the model helped with manoeuvrability and installation and ensured the statue did not block other aspects of the exhibition experience.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is an impressive feat of modern building modelling software, which played a key role in fitting the museum's design into the Giza plateau where it sits. From sitting orientation, spatial geometry, and material used to environmental sensitivity, scale, and bombast, 21st-century modelling software equipped the team with the tools necessary to create a flexible and stunning cultural landmark.
Are you excited to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum? Sign up for notifications to know when it opens, and plan your trip to this cultural gem. The journey of the GEM from concept to an architectural masterpiece is truly awe-inspiring, and the result is a landmark that celebrates Egypt's rich history while embracing the innovations of the present. [5][6]
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum has been a long journey, filled with complex challenges and inspiring achievements. It all started with laying the cornerstone by the late Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak more than 20 years ago. Since then, the project has faced setbacks, including the Arab Spring and dips in tourism, but it has finally reached its finishing stages. Today, the museum showcases an impressive 83-ton 3200-year-old statue of Ramses II in its lobby, part of the permanent collection.
To safely install priceless antiquities like the Ramses II statue, the museum's team employed laser scanning and 3D modelling. These technologies were used to document the estimated 100,000 artefacts showcasing Egyptian civilization from prehistory to the Greco-Roman period. Coupled with BIM technology, which coordinated over 150 subcontractors and 5,000 on-site workers, the result is a complex but environmentally-friendly building design flexible enough to accommodate different exhibition experiences.
The transport and installation of the Ramses II statue is just one example of how digital technology has made the process efficient and less risky. Before bringing the statue into the museum, it was laser scanned to generate a 3D model that could be placed within the expansive building information model. This allowed the team to simulate the statue's approach ahead of time and ensure it could be safely conveyed into the atrium. Moreover, the model helped with manoeuvrability and installation and ensured the statue did not block other aspects of the exhibition experience.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is an impressive feat of modern building modelling software, which played a key role in fitting the museum's design into the Giza plateau where it sits. From sitting orientation, spatial geometry, and material used to environmental sensitivity, scale, and bombast, 21st-century modelling software equipped the team with the tools necessary to create a flexible and stunning cultural landmark.
Are you excited to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum? Sign up for notifications to know when it opens, and plan your trip to this cultural gem. The journey of the GEM from concept to an architectural masterpiece is truly awe-inspiring, and the result is a landmark that celebrates Egypt's rich history while embracing the innovations of the present. [5][6]
Architectural Design of the Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum, located just outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau, is set to become one of the most renowned museums in the world. The museum will showcase ancient Egypt artefacts and is designed with a unique architectural style. The design of the building was chosen through a competition that received 1,557 entries from 82 countries, making it the second-largest architectural competition in history. The winning entry, created by Irish company Heneghan Peng, utilizes the level difference to create a new surface defined by a veil of translucent stone that transforms daily to night. The museum will also utilize advanced technology, such as virtual reality and interactive exhibits, to enhance the visitor experience.
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum was not without its challenges. From laying the foundation stone to the project's near completion, the process was marred by political instability and financial woes due to dips in tourism. Nevertheless, the museum is set to partially exhibit its full collection soon, with some pieces being displayed for the first time. The museum has an estimated cost of one billion dollars, primarily financed by two loans from the Japanese government, totalling 300 million dollars. The construction was led by Belgian companies BESIX and Orascom Construction, with Arup as the main structural engineer and Buro Happold as the services engineer.
The Grand Egyptian Museum incorporates impressive restoration and preservation facilities. The museum's restoration centre comprises 19 laboratories that handle all types of preserving and restoration. The labs include a vase, glass, and metal lab that handles artefacts made from non-organic substances; a wood lab that handles wooden artefacts, including ships and sarcophagi; and a stone lab that takes care of all the statues on display. Beyond these, the museum also has a microbiological lab that protects artefacts by discovering the types of living creatures that could cause damage. Finally, a microscope scanner lab prepares and examines samples before sending them to the microbiological lab.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to become a major cultural landmark in the region with its unique design and state-of-the-art facilities. The museum is 2 kilometres northwest of the Giza pyramids complex and 15 kilometres from Cairo. The location provides visitors quick access by car to both the museum and Cairo's bustling city. The museum will also serve as an international centre of communication between other museums, promoting direct contact with local and international establishments. It will hold 122 modern displays designed by an Italian company to protect all organic, artistic, and fragile artefacts. Additionally, the museum contains a children's museum, conference centre, training centre, and workshops similar to the old Pharaonic places. To witness the milestones of the Gem, interested tourists can book tours with Egypt Tours Portal. [7][8]
The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum was not without its challenges. From laying the foundation stone to the project's near completion, the process was marred by political instability and financial woes due to dips in tourism. Nevertheless, the museum is set to partially exhibit its full collection soon, with some pieces being displayed for the first time. The museum has an estimated cost of one billion dollars, primarily financed by two loans from the Japanese government, totalling 300 million dollars. The construction was led by Belgian companies BESIX and Orascom Construction, with Arup as the main structural engineer and Buro Happold as the services engineer.
The Grand Egyptian Museum incorporates impressive restoration and preservation facilities. The museum's restoration centre comprises 19 laboratories that handle all types of preserving and restoration. The labs include a vase, glass, and metal lab that handles artefacts made from non-organic substances; a wood lab that handles wooden artefacts, including ships and sarcophagi; and a stone lab that takes care of all the statues on display. Beyond these, the museum also has a microbiological lab that protects artefacts by discovering the types of living creatures that could cause damage. Finally, a microscope scanner lab prepares and examines samples before sending them to the microbiological lab.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to become a major cultural landmark in the region with its unique design and state-of-the-art facilities. The museum is 2 kilometres northwest of the Giza pyramids complex and 15 kilometres from Cairo. The location provides visitors quick access by car to both the museum and Cairo's bustling city. The museum will also serve as an international centre of communication between other museums, promoting direct contact with local and international establishments. It will hold 122 modern displays designed by an Italian company to protect all organic, artistic, and fragile artefacts. Additionally, the museum contains a children's museum, conference centre, training centre, and workshops similar to the old Pharaonic places. To witness the milestones of the Gem, interested tourists can book tours with Egypt Tours Portal. [7][8]
Cost and Financing of the Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum is a project that aims to preserve and exhibit artefacts from ancient Egypt for future generations to enjoy. With a cost of one billion dollars, two loans from the Japanese government financed most of the museum's construction, totalling 300 million dollars. The Belgian company BESIX and the Egyptian company Orascom Construction built the structure for 810 million dollars. Architects Róisín Heneghan and Shi-Fu Peng established Heneghan Peng, an Irish company, as its main architect. The museum's design uses advanced technology like virtual reality, interactive exhibits, and 3D models, enhancing the visitors' experience while observing the artefacts.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the largest archaeological museums globally, spread over 81000 square meters. It is situated 2 kilometres northwest of the Giza pyramids complex and only 15 kilometres from Cairo, making it easily accessible to visitors. The museum's design is stunning; it utilizes layered levels to construct a new surface defined by a veil of translucent stone that glows and changes from day to night. One of its most prominent artefacts is the 3200-year-old, 82-ton statue of Ramses the Great that has been transported from the Giza Complex. The museum's other highlights include the Solar boat of 122 highly advanced displays designed in Italy to protect all the organic, artistic, and fragile artefacts exhibited.
The Grand Egyptian Museum serves as a means to display ancient Egyptian artefacts for visitors' pleasure and as an international centre of communication between museums. The facility boasts restoration labs that preserve artefacts and increase their longevity, including a microbiological lab identifying living creatures that could damage them. The GEM also contains a conference centre, a children's museum, and a training centre as part of its pharaonic-style workshops. The GEM was inaugurated in 2002 with a foundation stone laid by then-Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Despite earlier estimates, the GEM is still under construction, with no official opening date announced yet. An architectural competition design was chosen in 2003, and construction began in 2006. In 2018, the GEM brought and installed Ramses II's statue in the museum, but there have been several delays since then. While there were plans for the museum to open in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a further postponement. As it stands, there is no official opening date for the Grand Egyptian Museum yet. [9][10]
The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the largest archaeological museums globally, spread over 81000 square meters. It is situated 2 kilometres northwest of the Giza pyramids complex and only 15 kilometres from Cairo, making it easily accessible to visitors. The museum's design is stunning; it utilizes layered levels to construct a new surface defined by a veil of translucent stone that glows and changes from day to night. One of its most prominent artefacts is the 3200-year-old, 82-ton statue of Ramses the Great that has been transported from the Giza Complex. The museum's other highlights include the Solar boat of 122 highly advanced displays designed in Italy to protect all the organic, artistic, and fragile artefacts exhibited.
The Grand Egyptian Museum serves as a means to display ancient Egyptian artefacts for visitors' pleasure and as an international centre of communication between museums. The facility boasts restoration labs that preserve artefacts and increase their longevity, including a microbiological lab identifying living creatures that could damage them. The GEM also contains a conference centre, a children's museum, and a training centre as part of its pharaonic-style workshops. The GEM was inaugurated in 2002 with a foundation stone laid by then-Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Despite earlier estimates, the GEM is still under construction, with no official opening date announced yet. An architectural competition design was chosen in 2003, and construction began in 2006. In 2018, the GEM brought and installed Ramses II's statue in the museum, but there have been several delays since then. While there were plans for the museum to open in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a further postponement. As it stands, there is no official opening date for the Grand Egyptian Museum yet. [9][10]