The Grand Egyptian Museum in Numbers

The Grand Egyptian Museum in Numbers
By Dr. Ali Nour El-Din Ismail

The idea of establishing the Grand Egyptian Museum began in 1992, with a trial operation in 2024, and it has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful museums in the world.

• Total area of the museum: 291,400 m²

• Main building area: 130,000 m²

Development of the surrounding area included:

• A 2 km road connecting the museum to the famous Giza Pyramids

• A green area of 90,000 m² with 4,000 trees and 2,500 palm trees

• A sculpture avenue featuring 750 statues of notable Egyptian social and political figures

• Establishment of restaurants, gardens, and rest areas outside the museum

• Construction of giant display screens to broadcast the historic event

Museum contents:
The museum houses around 100,000 artifacts, including pieces transferred from existing Egyptian museums or restored items representing various periods of ancient Egypt, from pre-dynastic times to the Greek and Roman eras.

Main entrance:

• Area: 7,000 m²

• Number of halls: 12, including:

  • Hall of King Ramses II: relocated from the middle of Ramses Square to the museum entrance. The statue is 11 meters high, weighs 38 tons, and is made of granite.

  • Tutankhamun Collection Hall: featuring a rare collection of 5,240 artifacts, including his golden mask.

  • Khufu Solar Boats Hall: boats measuring 42 meters in length, made from 30 wooden panels.

  • Additional halls include a children’s hall and other main halls housing extensive artifact collections.

Official opening of the museum:
The museum was officially inaugurated on November 1, 2025, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who placed the symbolic 100,000th artifact in a model representing Egypt after a brief speech. The opening was attended by:

• Royal and ruling family delegations from 29 European, Arab, and African countries

• Representatives of 9 international and regional organizations

• Presidents and ministers from 22 countries

• Over 20 prominent Egyptian personalities who contributed to the museum’s success, including company leaders involved in its construction and internationally recognized Egyptians

Official celebration program:
The program lasted about three continuous hours on the first day, with participation from at least 1,500 Egyptians and foreigners, both men and women. It included musical and singing performances accompanied by a trained orchestra and choir, with a fireworks display in the background.

Opening to the public:
The museum opened to the public on November 4, 2025, with an average daily attendance of 22,000 visitors during the first week, half of whom were foreign tourists. By the end of the week, 40,000 visitors attended. An online booking system was introduced, giving priority to foreign visitors. Ticket prices are capped at 200 EGP for Egyptians and $25 for foreigners.

Conclusion:
The Grand Egyptian Museum is considered the “fourth pyramid,” housing Egypt’s treasures. It serves as a bridge connecting the eternal glory of Egypt’s past with the bright aspirations of its future.