The Grand Egyptian Museum "GEM"
The grand Egyptian Museum is an architectural wonder and a treasure trove of heavenly immortal GEMs which come in all shapes, sizes, and colors that has the divine ability to shed light on the ancient Egyptian history and culture of the greatest civilization on earth. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the magnificent heritage of the Pharaonic civilization and become the only museum in the world that is dedicated to a single civilization.
The GEM is a perfect blend of traditional and modern styles, with sweeping curves and clean lines that create a sense of serenity, glory, and balance. It offers the legendary chance to explore the most beautiful artifacts displayed in a state of art manner and learn some of the most amazing & enriching facts. The museum is made of a gigantic structure, with its towering columns and elegant domes, where everyone will be transported to a world of wonder and amazement leading to a whole new world filled with the most dazzling monuments and artifacts.
History of the Grand Egypt Museum "GEM"
The Grand Egyptian Museum started as a dream when president Hosni Mubarak in January 2002 put the stone of foundation and in 2006, a colossal statue of Ramesses II was taken from Ramses square in Cairo to the Giza plateau then in 2018, it was placed in the atrium of the museum.
In 2007, many campaigns were launched to gather funds for the GEM museum which included securing a $300 million loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation while the Egyptian government will provide $147 million while the remaining funds will be made through international organizations and donations.
In 2008 the area began to be prepared by earthmoving and tendering was completed in 2013. In 2012 the Belgian company BESIX made a joint venture with Egypt's Orascom Construction (OC) and was awarded the task for the main contractors completing phase three of the GEM for $810 million.
In 2018, Besix and Orascom were responsible for transforming the 82-ton, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II to the entrance, transporting the chariots of Tutankhamun. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening date was pushed back. At the current moment, the museum is due to open in late 2023, and there are a number of tours operating within the GEM at the current moment.
The logo of the museum was designed in 2018 by a talented Lebanese-Dutch designer and the museum exhibition was made by a German company known as "Atelier Bruckner" for 800,000 Egyptian pounds (45,000 $).
Opening Time and Ticket Prices of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The GEM museum is set to hold its grand opening in late 2023 and at the current moment, the museum offers limited access to a number of enchanting artifacts.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is opening 4-time slots available every day: 10 am — 12 pm — 2 pm — 4 pm.
The Prices of the Grand Egyptian Museum:
- Egyptian Adult 150 LE.
- Egyptian Child/ Student 75 LE.
- Foreign Adult 1000 LE.
- Foreign Child/Student 500 LE.
- VIP Tickets: 2000 USD Expect Friday and Saturday.
Light Show at the GEM Prices:
- For the young 2500 LE.
- For Adults 4500 LE.
Location & How to Get to the GEM
The museum is located in the heart of Giza when the construction took place on 12 march 2012 and is found 2 km (1.2 miles) northwest of the golden pyramids of Giza. The distance between Cairo and Grand Egyptian Museum is 15 km.
The Architecture of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The architectural design of the museum was determined by an architectural competition that was operated in 2002 during the start of January which is known to be the second biggest architectural competition in the world where 1,557 entries were received from 82 countries and 20 entries were submitted for the final phase. architects Róisín Heneghan and Shi-Fu Peng who are the founders of Heneghan Peng Architects of Ireland were awarded a prize of $250,000. Heneghan Peng Architects, Buro Happold, and Arup were responsible for the design of the museum. The company "West 8&"acted as the exhibition masterplan and was also responsible for the exhibition design, plus the museology was led by Atelier Brückner. In 2010 EHAF and Hill consulting engineers made a joint venture to offer project manaGEMent services during the times of construction and design.
The architecture of the GEM is designed to blend ancient Egyptian architectural elements with modern technology and materials. The main building is shaped like a chamfered triangle, with a flat top and sloping sides that rise to a height of 50 meters. The shape of the building is meant to evoke the pyramids and other ancient Egyptian structures. The exterior of the building is clad in limestone, which is intended to mimic the stone used to build the pyramids. The limestone panels are laser-cut to create intricate patterns that reference traditional Egyptian motifs, such as the lotus flower and papyrus plant.
Inside the GEM - Famous Monuments
Inside the museum, the exhibition space is organized around a central axis that runs the length of the building. Visitors enter through a grand atrium that is illuminated by a skylight and then moves through a series of galleries that showcase the museum's collections. The galleries are designed to be spacious and light-filled, with high ceilings and large windows that offer views of the surrounding landscape. The museum has 122 museum display cases made by the Italian company "Goppion" in order to preserve the most fragile artifacts and incredible organic materials.
The museum holds more than 100,000 artifacts dating from the rich history of Egypt, some of which have never been seen on display before. Within the exhibition hall are about 18000 artifacts. All the artifacts have come from Egyptian museums and from the storages of many museums found in the cities of Luxor, Sohag, Minya, the Delta, Beni Suef, Assiut, Fayoum, and Alexandria. Some of the most renowned attractions include:
- Conservation Centre.
- The Royal Regalia.
- The Victory Column of King Mercnptah.
- Solar Boat of King Khufu.
- Hanging Obelisk.
- 10 Statues of King Senusert.
- King Ramses Il Statue.
- Statues of Ptolemaic King and Queen.
- Grand staircase.
- Grand Atrium & Gift shop.
The museum also includes a number of high-tech features, including interactive exhibits, immersive displays, a children's museum, a training center, a conference center, and workshops designed in a magical ancient Pharaonic style plus digital projections. These technologies are intended to enhance visitors' experience of the museum and to bring the ancient artifacts to life in new and exciting ways.
Tutankhamun Hall in the Grand Egyptian Museum
The main attractions of the museum include a full exhibition of the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb which is by far one of the most famous discoveries in the history of archaeology. Found on display is the famous golden mask of King Tutankhamun is probably the most well-known artifact found in the tomb that weighs 11kg (24 lbs) and is made of solid gold. His three nested coffins which are made of gold and precious stones.
The innermost coffin is made of solid gold and is one of the most beautiful and intricate pieces of ancient Egyptian art ever made. His epic throne made of wood covered in gold leaf was found in the tomb which was probably used by Tutankhamun during his lifetime. His Two legendary chariots that are made of wood, leather, and bronze were found in the tomb. On display are pieces of furniture like chairs, stools, and chests. Many of these items were covered in gold leaf and inlaid with precious stones.
There are also statues that include a life-sized statue of Tutankhamun that stands over six feet tall. There were also statues of the gods, as well as other members of the royal family. A great number of pieces of jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings that are made of gold and set with precious stones are found on display.
There are also four canopic jars made of alabaster found in the tomb. There are also bows, arrows, spears, and daggers which were made of bronze and decorated with gold and precious stones. There are also his marvelous boats that lead his way across the afterlife. A number of board games are found on display that includes Senet, which was one of the most popular games in ancient Egypt.
Conclusion
The Grand Egyptian Museum is a living miracle that is now going to be part of all our magical Nile River cruises and Egypt tour packages showcasing all the golden treasures of the greatest civilization on the face of the earth. Don’t miss this heavenly chance and discover all the one-of-a-kind treasures located in this astral GEM.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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