Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Following a historic inauguration that captured global attention, the Great Egyptian Museum (GEM) is officially opening its doors to the public, marking what officials are calling the “Cultural Project of the Century.”
Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, Chief Executive Officer of the GEM Authority, congratulated the Egyptian people on the long-awaited opening, emphasizing that the event represents a milestone not just for Egypt, but for world heritage. “The distinguished international presence at the inauguration reflects Egypt’s leadership through its soft power and cultural diplomacy,” he said during a televised interview on Ala Mas’ouliati.
Ghoneim announced that the museum will welcome both Egyptian and foreign visitors starting tomorrow, following a surge in online reservations. “We have already received more than 5,000 electronic bookings,” he revealed, describing the public response as “remarkably enthusiastic.”
According to Ghoneim, the museum’s maximum daily capacity ranges between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors. However, the priority, he stressed, is to ensure “a pleasant and seamless visitor experience.” To maintain quality, the museum may delay entry for some guests or temporarily close its doors during peak hours if necessary.
The museum’s galleries will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays to accommodate the expected crowds. Entertainment venues, cafés, and restaurants within the complex will continue operating one to two hours after the museum closes.
Among the highlights awaiting visitors are the two main attractions set to open immediately: the Tutankhamun Halls, where the entire golden collection of the boy king will be displayed together for the first time, and the Khufu Boat Museum, showcasing the ancient solar barques that once stood beside the Great Pyramid.
As Egypt ushers in this new cultural era, the Great Egyptian Museum stands as both a testament to the country’s ancient legacy and a beacon of its modern ambitions, an unprecedented fusion of heritage, innovation, and global engagement.
