Giza, Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), also known as the Giza Museum, stands as a monumental achievement in both architectural design and cultural preservation. Finally opening its doors in 2024 after years of anticipation, this colossal structure spans nearly 480,000 square meters and houses over 100,000 artifacts, making it the largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. The museum’s striking triangular design, created by Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng, pays homage to the nearby pyramids while incorporating modern elements like its translucent stone facade that allows natural light to filter through the galleries.
The crown jewel of the museum’s collection is undoubtedly the complete tomb collection of King Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time since its discovery in 1922. The 5,400 pieces from the young pharaoh’s tomb are exhibited across two galleries spanning 7,000 square meters. Beyond Tutankhamun’s treasures, the museum offers immersive experiences through interactive displays, virtual reality installations, and a designated children’s museum, revolutionizing how we engage with ancient Egyptian civilization.
Cairo, Egypt
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo stands as a monumental repository of ancient civilization, housing over 120,000 artifacts that chronicle the magnificent saga of pharaonic Egypt. Situated in the heart of Cairo’s Tahrir Square, this rose-colored neoclassical building, constructed in 1901, contains an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including the spectacular treasures of Tutankhamun. The museum does not allow pictures of the Tutankhamun exhibit. The museum’s grand halls, with their soaring ceilings and nineteenth-century display cases, create an atmospheric journey through time, where visitors can marvel at colossal statues of pharaohs, intricately decorated sarcophagi, and delicate pieces of jewelry that once adorned Egyptian royalty.
What truly sets the Egyptian Museum apart is its remarkable concentration of rare artifacts, including the world’s largest collection of royal mummies. The museum’s second floor houses the celebrated contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb, featuring his iconic solid gold death mask, weighing 11 kilograms and inlaid with semi-precious stones and glass. Visitors can spend hours examining the young pharaoh’s gilded shrine, his ornate throne, and the multiple coffins that protected his mummy, each offering insights into the sophisticated artistry and religious beliefs of ancient Egyptian civilization. While the museum’s early 20th-century design and labeling system may seem dated compared to modern institutions, this aspect paradoxically enhances its charm, creating an experience akin to exploring a vast archaeological warehouse filled with historical treasures.
