Grand Egyptian Museum starts trial operation of 12 main galleries-Xinhua

This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2024 shows a pharaoh statue at an exhibition hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday announced trial operations of its Main Galleries, starting from Oct. 16, 2024, offering visitors an exclusive preview of twelve exhibition halls with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. This trial phase is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its official opening. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

CAIRO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) announced on Tuesday the start of trial operations of its main galleries, offering visitors an exclusive preview of 12 meticulously curated exhibition halls.

This trial phase, which will commence Wednesday, is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its highly anticipated official opening.

This phase marks another step forward for the GEM, following the successful soft openings of select areas, including private tours and events since November 2022.

"The 12 main galleries cover an area of 18,000 square meters. These galleries tell the history of ancient Egypt in terms of ancient Egyptian society throughout the ages... visitors will encounter a rich array of artifacts, presented within three interconnected themes -- kingship, society, and beliefs," Abbas al-Tayeb, assistant minister of tourism and antiquities for archaeological affairs at the GEM, told Xinhua.

He added that the artifacts on display at the galleries tell the stories of ancient Egyptian history, noting the latest up-to-date display methods are used in the galleries.

So far, al-Tayeb said, about 57,000 artifacts have been transferred to the museum, and more than 14,000 artifacts have been placed in the main display galleries.

"The complete collection of King Tutankhamun, which consists of 5,390 pieces, is also at the GEM, but these pieces are not available for visiting during the trial operation period," he revealed.

Al-Tayeb pointed out that there is a children's museum inside the GEM, adding that this museum does not display antiquities, but historical topics for children in an interesting way.

He said the Chinese market is very important for Egyptian tourism, adding that the museum will attract many Chinese tourists who have a great passion for Egyptian civilization and antiquities.

"We care about the Chinese tourists. For example, the explanation and definition of the artifacts on the Grand Staircase are written in seven languages, including Chinese," the official said.

The GEM is a scientific, cultural, and educational institution that is keen to preserve the ancient Egyptian heritage and civilization, and promote scientific research by providing a unique and accessible integrated tourism experience for its visitors based on modern technological means of display.

Upon completion, the GEM is expected to host about 100,000 ancient artifacts.

In addition to the main galleries, visitors can enjoy the museum's accessible spaces, including the children's museum, outdoor gardens, and the GEM's commercial area which includes restaurants, cafes, and shops showcasing leading Egyptian brands.

The iconic hanging obelisk greets guests at the museum entrance, while inside, the majestic grand hall houses the colossal statue of King Ramesses II, the victory column of King Merneptah, and the statues of a Ptolemaic king and queen.

The Grand Staircase adds to the museum's grandeur, featuring over 60 impressive royal statues, stelae, columns, and sarcophagi, further enhancing the immersive experience as visitors ascend through ancient Egypt's legacy.

"The museum is fantastic and I have never seen anything like it," Sidsel Millerstrom, a tourist from Norway, told Xinhua.

She added that the GEM includes almost everything related to the ancient civilization, noting that she is willing to revisit the museum after its official opening.

Meanwhile, Li Xi, a Chinese chief of a travel agency in Egypt, said it was not her first time to visit the GEM.

"I will visit it tomorrow to take some photos, and tell all my Chinese friends to come to Egypt as soon as possible," said Li, who has been living in Egypt for 15 years.

"Egypt has opened many new museums in recent years. I hope that I can share more information about these Egyptian museums to Chinese tourists via social media," she told Xinhua. ■

This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2024 shows a mural at an exhibition hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday announced trial operations of its Main Galleries, starting from Oct. 16, 2024, offering visitors an exclusive preview of twelve exhibition halls with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. This trial phase is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its official opening. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2024 shows exhibits at an exhibition hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday announced trial operations of its Main Galleries, starting from Oct. 16, 2024, offering visitors an exclusive preview of twelve exhibition halls with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. This trial phase is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its official opening. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

A visitor takes photos of exhibits at an exhibition hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, Oct. 15, 2024. The Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday announced trial operations of its Main Galleries, starting from Oct. 16, 2024, offering visitors an exclusive preview of twelve exhibition halls with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. This trial phase is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its official opening. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2024 shows an exhibit at an exhibition hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday announced trial operations of its Main Galleries, starting from Oct. 16, 2024, offering visitors an exclusive preview of twelve exhibition halls with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. This trial phase is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its official opening. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Visitors take photos of exhibits at an exhibition hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, Oct. 15, 2024. The Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday announced trial operations of its Main Galleries, starting from Oct. 16, 2024, offering visitors an exclusive preview of twelve exhibition halls with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. This trial phase is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its official opening. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)