Words by Ivan Allegranti
As the Grand Egyptian Museum officially opens its doors to the public, we revisit our conversation with Maj. General Atef Moftah, the museum’s General Director, who shared insights into one of the most ambitious cultural projects of our time — an architectural and curatorial feat redefining how Egypt’s history is experienced.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a groundbreaking addition to Egypt’s cultural landscape, located just a stone’s throw from the Giza pyramids. As the largest museum worldwide dedicated solely to ancient Egypt, GEM offers a fresh, expansive space to explore the nation’s history from prehistory to the Roman period. With over 50,000 artefacts on display, including the complete treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, the museum provides a comprehensive look at Egypt’s heritage. Marie Claire Maison sits down with Maj. General. Atef Moftah, General Director Grand Egyptian Museum to learn more about this monumental project.
Designed to be more than a museum, “GEM is an architectural masterpiece that fuses historical inspiration with contemporary design,” noted Moftah. Spanning 130,000 square meters, this expansive structure features sweeping concrete and glass wings, situated near the iconic pyramids on the Giza plateau. Among its key highlights are the impressive Grand Hall, the Tutankhamun Galleries, the Obelisk Square, and the Khufu Boat Museum. “The Museum contains a number of exhibition spaces that are, by themselves, larger than many other museum”, underlined Moftah.
Inside, GEM prioritizes visitor experience with well-lit, spacious galleries that utilize cutting-edge technology and interactive displays to bring Egypt’s history to life. The exhibits, presented in Arabic and English, guide visitors through over 700,000 years of history, from the Prehistoric Period to the Roman Empire. The museum also houses state-of-the-art conservation laboratories, advanced recording and display facilities, and security systems to ensure the protection of Egypt’s vast heritage. Additionally, spaces like the Children’s Museum support both educational initiatives and conservation efforts.
GEM houses an extraordinary collection, offering a journey through 700,000 years of Egypt’s history. The key highlights include the Tutankhamun Galleries, where over 6,000 objects from the boy king’s tomb are displayed, many for the first time. “Our museum is about kingship,” explains the museum’s director, showcasing iconic figures like King Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure, and Ramesses II. The Main Galleries explore Egypt’s daily life, religious beliefs, and burial practices, with artefacts covering prehistoric times to the end of the Roman Empire.
“To fully enjoy the Grand Egyptian Museum, we recommend visitors plan at least a full day, ideally two or three,” says Maj. General. Atef Moftah, General Director Grand Egyptian Museum Project. As the most extensive institution celebrating ancient Egyptian history, GEM is the new testament to Egypt’s rich heritage and architectural prowess. Its cutting-edge design and immersive exhibits offer visitors a unique journey through millennia of history. With its potential to boost tourism and elevate Egypt’s global reputation, GEM is set to become a cornerstone of cultural and architectural excellence in the region.
