Africa’s $1 billion cultural marvel: Egypt unveils world’s largest museum dedicated to one civilisation

Located just a mile from the Pyramids of Giza, the sprawling 470,000-square-meter complex marks a new era in how Africa presents its cultural heritage to the world.

Initially conceived in 1992, the project did not break ground until 2005. Despite several delays, including those caused by regional conflicts and the pandemic, the wait is finally over.

“It is a gift from Egypt to the world and we are proud to finally share it,” said Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.

The museum’s 12 grand galleries blend history with modernity, organized by themes and eras, and powered by immersive multimedia technology. “We’re using the language that Gen Z uses,” said Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the museum.

“Gen Z doesn’t use the labels that we read as old people; they prefer to experience history through technology.”

To achieve that, GEM integrates mixed-reality shows, holograms, and digital storytelling, making ancient Egypt’s millennia-old legacy resonate with a global digital audience.

The museum also features a children’s museum, conservation centre, education wing, and commercial spaces designed to sustain year-round engagement.

Beyond culture, GEM represents a bold economic strategy. The Egyptian government sees the project as a cornerstone of its plan to revive tourism and attract foreign currency inflows.

Following the 2011 Arab Spring and the pandemic, tourism rebounded strongly in 2024, with 15.7 million visitors, generating billions of dollars in revenue. Egypt aims to double that figure by 2032.

“The world has been waiting … everyone’s excited,” said Hassan Allam, CEO of the engineering firm managing the museum.

The facility is expected to receive 15,000 to 20,000 visitors daily once fully operational.

The museum’s unveiling also coincides with broader infrastructure upgrades, including a new metro line and an airport opened in 2020, aimed at reinforcing Cairo’s position as a global tourism hub.

However, the celebration comes amid renewed scrutiny over artifact security. In recent weeks, Egyptian authorities confirmed the theft of a 3,000-year-old gold bracelet from a conservation lab, echoing past concerns from the Arab Spring era when looters raided archaeological sites.

Still, Egypt remains resolute in its cultural diplomacy ambitions. The Grand Egyptian Museum stands not only as a showcase of ancient glory but also as a symbol of Africa’s capacity to create and preserve global heritage on its own soil.

As fireworks light up the Giza skyline at the grand opening, Egypt’s billion-dollar beacon to the world sends a clear message: the continent’s past remains one of its most powerful assets for the future.