Twice as big as Paris' Louvre, how Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to increase tourism
Nestled near the Giza pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), featuring a towering statue of Ramses II and more than 100,000 artefacts, including Tutankhamen's golden treasures, is preparing for a lavish opening.
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After two decades of planning, the GEM is set to open fully on July 3, following a partial opening in October.
Its long-awaited debut comes after years of delays caused by political instability, economic crises and the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Ahmed Ghoneim, the museum's director, said the inauguration could span several days, with celebrations extending beyond the museum and pyramids to sites across Egypt and abroad.
An ancient Egyptian statue, one of the more than 100,000 artefacts that will be displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt. Photo: AFP
'It will be a spectacular showcase of Egypt's historical and touristic potential,' Ghoneim told Egypt's ON TV.
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