CAIRO – 1 November 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi led the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, nestled on the Giza Plateau next to the Great Giza Pyramids, describing this milestone as a “new chapter” in the nation’s history.
Miniature replicas of the Grand Egyptian Museum, engraved with each country’s name, were placed by world leaders, and El-Sisi placed the final piece representing Egypt, officially inaugurating the historic museum.
El-Sisi underlined that GEM stands as the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization: the everlasting civilization of Egypt.
“Today, as we celebrate together the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, we write a new chapter in the history of the present and the future of this great nation,” El-Sisi said.
He invited attendees from all corners of the world “to make this museum a platform for dialogue, a destination for knowledge, a meeting place for humanity, and a beacon for all who cherish life and believe in the value of humankind.”
El-Sisi delivered his remarks before presidents, prime ministers, royals, and other high-level dignitaries who came from around the world to celebrate the opening of the grand museum.
Seventy-nine official delegations are attending the event, including 39 led by kings, princes, and heads of state and government.
El-Sisi welcomed all guests on the land of Egypt — the oldest state known to history.
“Here, civilization inscribed its first letters, and the world witnessed the birth of art, thought, writing, and faith,” he said, describing Egypt as the land of civilization, history, peace and love.
The president affirmed that GEM is “not merely a place to preserve precious antiquities, but a living testament to the genius of the Egyptian people, the builders of the pyramids, who carved the story of eternity upon stone.”
“The Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a living embodiment of the journey of a people who have inhabited the land of the Nile since the dawn of history,” El-Sisi stated.
“Ancient Egypt inspired the peoples of the world, and from the banks of the Nile, the lights of wisdom shone to illuminate the path of civilization and human progress, proclaiming that the edifices of civilization are built in times of peace and flourish through the spirit of cooperation among nations.”
Throughout the ages, Egypt, El-Sisi affirmed, has remained “a haven of stability, a meeting point of diverse cultures, and a supporter of human heritage.”
He also commended the Egyptian people since the ancient ages, saying “they have always been, and remains, diligent, patient, and generous.”
The Egyptian, El-Sisi stressed, has always been “a builder of civilizations, a creator of glory, proud of his homeland, carrying the banner of knowledge, and a steadfast messenger of peace.”
El-Sisi concluded his remarks, with the message: “Long live Egypt, and long live humanity.”
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and world leaders pose for a group photo in front of the Grand Egyptian Museum ahead of its historic grand opening. Presidency/Still image
The Grand Egyptian Museum, just outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau and next door to the Great Giza Pyramids, opens its doors today in a historic, world-class event that will witness unprecedented international attendance.
GEM showcases the history of ancient Egypt from 700,000 BC to 394 AD, uniting thousands of years of heritage under one roof.
The museum houses over 57,000 artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time since the discovery of his tomb in 1922.
During the inauguration, El-Sisi stated that GEM is “not merely a place to preserve precious antiquities, but a living testament to the genius of the Egyptian people, the builders of the pyramids, who carved the story of eternity upon stone.”
"It stands as a witness for generations, telling the story of a nation whose roots run deep in the soil of human history, and whose branches continue to shade the present, so that its legacy may endure in the service of humanity."
Spanning 490,000 square meters, GEM features a 7,000 m² main entrance dominated by a colossal statue of King Ramses II, and a 6,000 m² Grand Staircase rising the equivalent of six stories, adorned with masterpieces from across Egyptian history.
Visitors will explore 12 main exhibition halls, temporary galleries, and a Children’s Museum, all designed with cutting-edge museological techniques to create a fully immersive journey through Egypt’s past.
Just steps from the world’s largest archaeological museum, a new 1.27-km tourist promenade now links GEM directly to the Giza Pyramids.
GEM's design, created by Ireland’s Heneghan Peng Architects, draws inspiration from the geometry of the Giza Plateau.
It envisions the museum as a conical structure formed by the imaginary convergence of sunlight extending from the summits of the three pyramids, symbolizing the connection between Egypt’s ancient heritage and its contemporary vision.
Recognized as the first green museum in Africa and the Middle East, GEM has earned eight ISO certifications in energy management, health and safety, environment, and quality, along with the 2024 EDGE Advance Green Building Certification.
UNESCO hailed the museum as offering both Egyptian and international visitors a unique opportunity to travel through more than 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Construction began in 2005, with major building phases launched in 2016, a trial opening in October 2024, and the official grand opening on November 1, 2025.
GEM is expected to attract around five million visitors annually, cementing its place as a global beacon of culture, heritage, and sustainable museum design.
A Success Story Built on Deep Cooperation
El-Sisi said the GEM inauguration achievment is the result of broad international cooperation with numerous global companies and institutions.
He expressed his appreciation for the significant support provided by Japan toward this monumental cultural project.
The president also commended the sincere efforts made over the years by officials, engineers, researchers, archaeologists, technicians, and workers, stressing that their commitment has made this historic mission possible.
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