After decades of planning and years of construction, Egypt officially inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on Saturday evening — a landmark project located just a few kilometres from the Great Pyramids of Giza, now hailed as the largest archaeological complex ever dedicated to a single civilisation.
The opening ceremony drew global attention, welcoming delegations from 79 nations, including more than 40 kings, princes, and heads of state and government. Among them was Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who represented the country at the prestigious event.
“It was an honor to represent Hungary among more than 40 world leaders at the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. A quick rest now — tomorrow, talks with President El-Sisi!”
A monumental celebration of Egypt’s heritage
The inauguration, attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, featured a spectacular show blending ancient culture and modern performance. Dancers in pharaonic costumes performed against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pyramids, while world leaders took part in a symbolic gesture — placing miniature replicas of the museum as a sign of international friendship and cooperation.
In his speech, President Sisi emphasised that the museum’s creation was “a product of global partnership and a tribute to human civilisation.” He also expressed gratitude to Japan for its extensive support in financing and technical assistance for the USD 1 billion project.
Egypt inaugurates the world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: Anadolu
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly described the GEM as “a unique edifice that reflects both Egypt’s eternal legacy and its modern aspirations.” He added that this long-awaited dream had taken shape over the past seven years, transforming from a decades-old vision into a monumental reality.
The ‘fourth pyramid’
Located only two kilometres from the Giza plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum occupies an immense 490,000 square meters. Its five-story glass façade aligns perfectly with the Great Pyramid, creating a visual link between the ancient wonder and this 21st-century marvel. Many visitors already call it the “fourth pyramid”, due to its striking conical design inspired by rays of sunlight converging over the desert.
Egypt inaugurates world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: AnadoluEgypt inaugurates world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: AnadoluEgypt inaugurates world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: Anadolu
Inside, the museum houses over 57,000 artefacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, displayed together for the first time since the discovery of his tomb in 1922. Other highlights include statues of Ramses II, treasures from Queen Hetepheres, and relics from Egypt’s Greek and Roman periods. The museum’s vast “Grand Staircase” rises six stories high, leading visitors through 12 main galleries, temporary exhibitions, and interactive spaces — including a dedicated children’s museum.
Egypt inaugurates world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: AnadoluEgypt inaugurates world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: AnadoluEgypt inaugurates world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: Anadolu
A gift from Egypt to the world
Originally conceived in the 1990s, the museum’s foundation stone was laid in 2002, but work stalled for years before being revived in 2014 under President Sisi. Construction, design, and digital infrastructure were completed between 2017 and 2023, with trial operations beginning in late 2024.
According to Anadolu, Funded primarily through two Japanese loans totalling USD 800 million, along with Egyptian government support and donations, the GEM stands as a symbol of international cooperation and Egypt’s cultural diplomacy.
Egypt inaugurates the world’s largest museum beside the Pyramids – Orbán represents Hungary. Photo credit: Anadolu
Board member Mohamed Mansour estimated that the museum could attract over five million visitors annually, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a global tourism and cultural hub.
The Hungarian ambassador’s festive reception
Ahmed Fahmy, Egypt’s Ambassador to Hungary, hosted a celebratory reception at Budapest’s “Egypt House” to mark the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The event was broadcast live to the world from Egypt, with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi in attendance, alongside numerous kings, heads of state, and government leaders. Among the guests were Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his wife.
The reception, organised by the ambassador, welcomed senior Hungarian officials, media personalities, ambassadors accredited to Budapest, and prominent members of Hungary’s Egyptian community.
In his address, Ambassador Fahmy greeted the guests and expressed Egypt’s pride in this unparalleled occasion, which crowns more than two decades of continuous effort. Thousands of Egyptians – workers, engineers, artists, and scholars – contributed to the construction to create the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation.
The ambassador recalled that construction of the museum began in 2002 and went through challenging periods and even temporary halts. Following President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi’s decision, work resumed with the greatest speed and efficiency, making the Grand Egyptian Museum today a symbol of Egyptian determination and a spirit “that knows no impossibility.”
He added that, standing alongside the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum is not merely an architectural or museological achievement, but a manifestation of Egypt’s immortal spirit: that of a civilisation which built the pyramids and the Sphinx, and whose modern heirs now present humanity with a new creation.
During the evening, Dr Hedvig Győry, a distinguished Hungarian Egyptologist, also delivered a speech in which she expressed profound admiration for the ancient Egyptian civilisation, highlighting its central role in shaping human heritage. She emphasised the growing cultural and scientific ties between Egypt and Hungary and noted that the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum represents a milestone in the preservation of global cultural heritage.
Guests at the reception followed the live official opening ceremony in Giza, an occasion imbued with pride and deep connection.
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