What's happened
The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids will partially open its main galleries on Wednesday, allowing 4,000 visitors for a trial run. This mega-project, costing over $1 billion, has faced delays due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the museum's opening will include 12 halls showcasing artifacts from various historical periods, with each hall displaying at least 15,000 items. Al-Tayeb Abbas, assistant to the minister of antiquities, emphasized that the trial run is crucial for operational preparedness. The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that the museum's design aims to engage children and educate the public about ancient history. Business Insider highlighted the restoration of the Temple of Horus, showcasing the importance of preserving Egypt's cultural heritage, which aligns with the museum's mission.
How we got here
Construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum began over a decade ago, with multiple delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and operational challenges. The museum aims to showcase over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt.
More on these topics