On November 1st, the Grand Egyptian Museum had its official grand opening in Cairo, marking the completion of a two decade project to build the world’s largest archaeological museum. The opening ceremony, broadcasted live on Egyptian television for everyone to witness this remarkable historical achievement, was seen by Egyptians around the world, including the ones right here at BHA. It featured fireworks lighting up the Cairo skyline, synchronized drone shows, and live performance displays, including opera and orchestra pieces played by talented musicians, displaying Egypt’s artistic legacy.
Noor Hussien, an 11th grade Egyptian student at BHA, tells us how her family enjoyed watching the program together. “My family and I spent all Saturday morning watching it. I felt like I was back home.” This sense of nostalgia and pride for her homeland is something that connects all Egyptian Americans.
Additionally, Noor was able to provide personal insight, as she visited the museum before its grand opening with her family. She explains the difference in extravagance between the selective rooms that were available for visiting before, compared to the images taken after the museum’s grand opening. “It was always beautiful, and I’ve always loved and been interested in Egyptian history, but I wish I could go again now. It seems like its a completely different place,” she says.
Another student, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared their views on the event and what it could mean for Egypt’s future. “They were talking a lot about how the Gazan ceasefire treaty was signed on Egyptian land, and how this is a “time of peace,” but people are still dying and being bombed everyday.” Although this strong political view on the topic may feel uncomfortable for some, it is the unfortunate reality: the Egyptian government wrongfully used this ceremony as a guise for peace, turning attention away from the hundreds of people still suffering in Palestine despite the agreement for ceasefire.
Beyond the political views of this ceremony, it is true that this museum stands as a big cultural and historical achievement for Egypt. Currently however, the museum itself has already drawn a lot of attention for a surprising and unanticipated design flaw. Shallow water pools surround each exhibit, adding to the sleek design and acting as a marble floor that prevents visitors from touching the sculptures. However, the designers, whether intentionally or not, did not include signs or guard rails, causing visitors to mistakenly step into these pools. Although it is somewhat humorous, the museum gained attention on social media for its modern yet impractical architectural choices, pushing the museum to consider more effective barriers to prevent accidents from occurring again.
This innovative museum attracts lots of visitors year round, and undeniably stands as a cultural achievement for Egypt, as well as a home to thousands of artifacts that present Egypt’s history. If you want to experience the ancient Egyptian world displayed in ways like never before, you can now visit the largest archaeological museum in the word the next time you visit Cairo!
