The Grand Egyptian Museum: An Inspiring Story of Civilisation
By Kathleen Pokrud
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which officially opened its doors last November, stands as a sophisticated architectural and cultural bridge at the gateway to the Giza Plateau. More than a museum, it is a testament to Egypt’s ancient legacy and its forward-looking aspirations. In a recent conversation with Elite+, HE Hala Youssef Ragab, Egypt’s ambassador to Thailand, shared her reflections on this landmark achievement, describing the pride and profound emotion of witnessing a national dream realized.
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Ambassador Hala characterized the museum as the culmination of a long-standing national objective. "The GEM reflects Egypt’s profound respect for its heritage and our responsibility to present this legacy to the world through a lens that is modern, engaging and scholarly. Conceived as the largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, it symbolically links our history to our future at the threshold of the Giza Pyramids."
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For the Ambassador, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) represents a paradigm shift in Egypt’s narrative. "It is not merely a repository of antiquities, but a living cultural institution that speaks to humanity’s shared history. In this sense, the GEM belongs not only to Egypt, but to the world.”
Describing her recent visit to the museum as a moving experience, Ambassador Hala remarked on the dignity with which the collection is curated. "Walking through these halls evokes both the weight of history and a sense of national renewal." She extended her gratitude to the generations of archaeologists, engineers and artisans whose labor brought the project to fruition, noting that the GEM showcases Egyptian excellence across the millennia.
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Reflecting on the visit of HRH Princess Sirivannavari to Egypt last year, Ambassador Hala underscored the symbolic weight of the occasion for Thai-Egyptian relations. Her Royal Highness attended the grand opening of GEM as a representative of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, a gesture the Ambassador described as "deeply valued". “Her Royal Highness’s appreciation for Egyptian art and craftsmanship highlighted the natural cultural affinity between our two nations," Ambassador Hala observed. "Both Egypt and Thailand are stewards of ancient civilizations with rich artistic traditions. The GEM serves as a vital platform for cultural diplomacy, demonstrating how heritage and design can foster meaningful dialogue and strengthen people-to-people connections."
Beyond its historical significance, the Ambassador highlighted the Grand Egyptian Museum as a global model for sustainable cultural architecture. The museum holds the distinction of being the first in Africa and the Middle East to receive the EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification, complemented by multiple ISO and national sustainability accolades. "These achievements reflect Egypt’s commitment to environmental stewardship and align with Egypt’s Vision 2030," she stated. "We are proving that heritage preservation and modern sustainability are not only compatible but mutually reinforcing."
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As the museum now welcomes over 20,000 visitors daily, it offers a transformative journey. From the monumental Golden Staircase to the panoramic vistas of the Pyramids, the experience culminates in the complete Tutankhamun collection.
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In her closing remarks, Ambassador Hala offered a message of international openness, “The Grand Egyptian Museum conveys that Egypt cherishes its past while embracing a modern future. In an increasingly complex global landscape, cultural diplomacy offers a unifying language. I warmly invite the international community to experience the Grand Egyptian Museum—not merely as visitors, but as partners in our shared human story."
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