Nestled just two kilometers north of the Pyramids of Giza, a monumental project is underway that promises to reshape the way the world views Egyptian history. The Grand Egyptian Museum, located a brief 20-minute drive from Cairo’s bustling center, is poised to become the largest museum globally dedicated to a single civilization. Spanning an expansive 500,000 square meters, the size of roughly 80 football fields, this ambitious endeavor is supported by the newly constructed Sphinx International Airport, designed to streamline access for visitors flocking to see both the pyramids and the museum.

At present, only a small section of this grand museum is accessible to the public, but anticipation builds as the full inauguration approaches later this year. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a colossal statue of Ramses II, the third pharaoh of Egypt’s nineteenth dynasty, who ruled for nearly seventy years. This 3,200-year-old marvel is illuminated by the Sun’s rays twice annually, an awe-inspiring phenomenon that mirrors the solar alignment seen at the Abu Simbel temple in Nubia.

To the left of the lobby, the Grand Staircase beckons, rising 26 meters high with its 108 steps. This staircase is a spectacle in itself, adorned with statues and sculptures that depict mystical temples and ancient burial rites. Reaching the top, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Giza plateau, offering an unforgettable vista of its iconic pyramids.

The Grand Egyptian Museum aspires not only to showcase Egypt’s rich heritage but also to transform global perceptions of the country’s history and culture. In doing so, it aims to stand shoulder to shoulder with other prestigious institutions such as the British Museum and the Louvre. Architect Shirin Frangoul-Brückner, co-founder of Atelier Brückner, the firm behind the museum’s stunning interior design, aptly describes it as a “world museum,” underscoring its ambition to join the ranks of the world’s most esteemed cultural landmarks.

As the grand opening nears, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the unveiling of a museum that promises to be a gateway to the past, a beacon of cultural pride, and a testament to Egypt’s enduring legacy.

Source: https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-024-01467-w/index.html