Japan-supported Grand Egyptian Museum marks first year of operations
The museum has attracted over 5 million visitors despite the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
Cairo - The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), constructed with Japanese assistance on the outskirts of Cairo, celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday. Despite this tumultuous period in the Middle East, the museum welcomed over 5 million visitors in its inaugural year. The GEM, situated in Giza, houses more than 100,000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, including the renowned golden mask and other funerary items from King Tutankhamun's tomb.
To mark its first anniversary, the GEM will host a special nighttime show from this month to the end of next April. This exhibition uses lighting and music to recreate scenes from ancient Egyptian life, such as the flooding of the Nile and crop harvesting. GEM CEO Ahmed Ghoneim explained to reporters that the museum has met its objective of drawing more tourists to the Giza pyramid region, contributing to local tourism.
Located near the three pyramids, which constitute a UNESCO World Heritage site, the GEM is among the world's largest archaeological museums.
Japanese experts have collaborated in restoring excavated artifacts and training local technicians. A visitor, Hideyuki Ninomiya, a 52-year-old company employee from Tokyo, remarked that he couldn't see all the exhibits even after spending three and a half hours. He particularly admired Tutankhamun's coffin and golden mask.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
