After many years waiting, things are beginning to happen with the Grand Egyptian Museum. The foundation stone for the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization was laid in 2002. Building began in 2005 but was beset with problems; financial, environmental and of course political. There has been a lot of online criticism about the amount of time that things have taken with perhaps a failure to understand the difficulties that have hit Egypt over the last decade and a half. The Arab Spring of 2011 led to several years of political instability and everything ground to a halt. It was at this time that certain sections of the ruling government wanted to demolish the Sphinx as it was considered blasphemous. It was 2014 that saw work begin again, but the interim years had decimated the tourism industry, and all sorts of international loans were needed to keep things going. 2020 and the Covid pandemic was just as devastating and work ceased once more.
In February 2023 the main entrance hall and the Grand Staircase were opened to the public along with access to the commercial area with its shops and restaurants. October 16th, 2024, saw the trial opening of the main 12 halls of the museum, leaving the Khufu Solar Boats and the Tutankhamun galleries still closed.
World renowned Egyptologist Salima Ikram had this to say, “Went to visit. It is ENORMOUS. There are rooms and rooms filled with gorgeous objects. A bit overwhelming. Some things that I had never seen before (very painted jars). Extraordinary ostraka. Have to go back as I only scratched the surface.”
The 12 main halls span Egypt’s entire ancient history, showcasing thousands of artefacts. These galleries are divided into four main time periods and three themes: Society, Kingship and Beliefs.
The Society theme highlights the daily lives of different groups, from hunter-gatherers and farmers to scribes, priests, and government officials. Through carefully selected artefacts the exhibition brings to life the contrast between the lifestyles of the rich and the poor.
The Kingship theme traces the evolving role of Egypt’s ruling families over more than 3,000 years. Beginning with the Early Dynastic Period, the section shows how royal power and influence grew from basic beginnings to establishing Egypt as one of the world’s largest empires before its eventual decline under Roman rule.
The Beliefs theme explores the pantheon of Egypt’s gods and goddesses, their temples, and the divine cults and rituals that shaped Egyptian religion.
The first three galleries cover the earliest section of Egyptian history from the prehistoric through to the First Intermediate Period, exploring the rise of early societies and the powerful royal families who united Egypt and built the first pyramids. You can see various artefacts from the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, and royal items such as furniture, vessels, and coffins from the burial of Queen Hetepheres.
The next three galleries look at the Middle Kingdom through to the Second Intermediate Period. This section displays the resurgence of centralized power and royal legacies. Society became more inclusive, as ordinary people began to gain access to elaborate funerary practices previously reserved for royalty. You can expect to see the chapel of King Mentuhotep II, stelae dedicated to the god Osiris from Abydos, and new styles of tomb models, coffins, and burial goods.
Galleries 7, 8 and 9 are devoted to the New Kingdom: This era marked the height of Egypt’s imperial power, with warrior-kings like Tuthmose III, Ramesses II and queens like Hatshepsut. It also includes the Armana period. Egyptian society was rich and diverse, with society expanding through military conquests and trade. Beliefs in the afterlife grew more elaborate.
The final three galleries cover the Third Intermediate through to the Graeco-Roman Period: As Egypt transitioned into foreign rule, society adapted with a fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman traditions. The royal legacies of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, ending with the reign of Cleopatra, exemplify the blending of Egyptian and foreign influences.
Each of the 12 galleries features cutting-edge technology that brings history to life.
Still to come is the opening of the Khufu Solar Boats displays, as well as the Tutankhamun galleries which will feature all of the over 5000 objects from his tomb, many of which have sat all this time in the boxes they were packed in by Carter a century ago.
The GEM is also a world class research and conservation facility with cutting edge technology being used in the restoration and preservation of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Maybe it is time to start planning a visit.