Grand Egyptian Museum Opens After 20 Years

The Grand Egyptian Museum, a sprawling complex overlooking the Pyramids of Giza on the outskirts of Cairo, officially opened on Saturday after more than two decades of construction and delays, marking a major milestone in Egypt's efforts to showcase its ancient heritage on a global stage. The $1 billion project, attended by dignitaries from over 60 countries including European and Arab royals as well as presidents and prime ministers, features more than 100,000 artifacts spanning 30 dynasties of ancient Egyptian history, with the complete collection from King Tutankhamun's tomb displayed together for the first time since its 1922 discovery.

The ceremony, held under a drone light show depicting ancient gods and pyramids, emphasized themes of peace and cultural dialogue amid regional tensions. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi described the museum as "a platform for dialogue, a destination for knowledge, a forum for humanity, and a beacon for all who love life." Public access began on Tuesday, drawing thousands of visitors daily to explore the 500,000-square-meter site, which includes state-of-the-art conservation facilities and 45,000 square meters of exhibition space....