With the approaching inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on November 1, 2025, the world is in a state of anticipation for the largest cultural project of the twenty-first century.
In his exclusive interview with "SEE" renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass unveiled the inside details of the anticipated opening, the secrets behind the first-ever display of the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, and the Japanese role in the project's completion. He affirmed that this event will redraw the global tourism map and present a new image of Egypt to the world.
■ To begin, how do you view the Grand Egyptian Museum from your perspective as an archaeologist who has lived the project's details since its inception?
The Grand Egyptian Museum is not just a building or a tourism project; it is a colossal scientific and civilizational achievement by all standards.
This is the largest cultural project in the twenty-first century, embodying how Egypt values its civilization and preserves its heritage.
I see the Museum as a civilizational message from Egypt to the world, stating that we still stand on the land of our great ancestors and are still capable of offering the world lessons in preserving human identity.
The whole world is awaiting the inauguration because the Museum will, for the first time, unite all the treasures of the Golden King Tutankhamun—an unparalleled event anywhere on Earth.
■ What distinguishes the GEM from any other museum in the world?
The most important distinction is that, for the first time, the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, consisting of 5,398 pieces discovered by Howard Carter inside the tomb in 1922, will be on display.
These pieces were distributed among museums and only partially exhibited at the Tahrir Museum, but here, we will see them all together in one place, following a narrative sequence that tells the King's story from his childhood to his death.
The exhibition method itself will be incredibly spectacular, as the artifacts will be displayed using the latest techniques in lighting, visual interpretation, and electronic interaction.
The Museum will offer a new vision for the meaning of "visiting an antiquity"—it’s not just viewing, but a comprehensive experience that connects the visitor to the era the King lived in, allowing them to live the story.
■ What about the cooperation with Japan in executing this gigantic project?
Japan played a very pivotal role in the Museum's completion, and their participation was of the highest scientific and technical level.
They contributed to the funding and technical support, but more importantly, they worked with true sincerity and love for Egypt.
The restoration project of King Khufu's solar boats, carried out by the Japanese mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Antiquities, is considered a huge scientific achievement.
They managed to dismantle and transport the second boat that was buried next to the Great Pyramid—a highly complex engineering and archaeological feat.
It is wonderful that Japan will celebrate the inauguration with us. This, in itself, is a declaration to the world of the success of cooperation between two countries that respect science and civilization.
■ In your opinion, what benefits will Egypt gain from the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum?
In my view, we have four main gains from the inauguration.
First: The Civilizational Gain, because the inauguration will prove to the world that Egypt is not only preserving its antiquities but developing them and presenting them to the world in a modern manner befitting its status.
Second: The Political Gain, because the presence of leaders and heads of state from around the world at the opening ceremony will send a strong message about Egypt's stability and its leading role in the region.
Third: The Touristic Gain, which is perhaps the most important, as the entire world will follow the opening moment on channels and platforms, and they will see Egypt's civilization in a new light. This will create a desire for millions to visit the Museum themselves.
And Fourth: The Economic Gain, as the Museum will generate direct revenues from tickets, restaurants, and gifts, in addition to the indirect revenues from the tourism the inauguration will stimulate.
■ How do you expect the Museum's opening to affect the flow of tourism to Egypt?
I am very optimistic, and I always say that on November 1, the whole world will turn on their televisions and watch Egypt.
This event will be a major turning point.
Massive Japanese tourism will begin, and there will be global interest in Egypt, not just in cultural tourism, but also in conferences, education, and research.
The whole world loves Tutankhamun because he is a hero with a special allure, and having all his treasures in one place will attract visitors from every continent.
The Museum's inauguration will reposition Egypt at the forefront of the global tourism map because no other country can offer what we have.
■ Some believe that the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir holds a special place in the hearts of Egyptians. Does Dr. Zahi fear that the GEM will overshadow it?
Not at all, because the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is part of our history, and the Grand Museum is not a substitute for it but a natural extension.
Tahrir will remain the classical home of antiquities with its unique character, while the Grand Museum is the "home of the future," presenting the same civilization but with a modern scientific and technological approach.
The two complement each other, and this in itself is a great richness for the Egyptian archaeological system.
■ We heard there is an intention to honor former Minister Farouk Hosny during the inauguration. What is your opinion on that?
The truth is that Minister Farouk Hosny was the one who laid the cornerstone for the Museum, and he had a very long-term vision.
I believe his participation in the ceremony and giving a speech is a deserved tribute, as he contributed to launching the dream.
I truly hope there will be a plaque inside the Museum bearing his name, because history must document the role of everyone who contributed to achieving this great project.
Honoring our national figures is a national duty, not a mere courtesy.
■ What awaits the visitor inside the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The visitor will live a completely different experience.
The journey will start from the moment they enter the Grand Atrium, where the statue of Ramesses II is located, and behind it, they will see the Giza Pyramid through the glass façade, in a scene that merges the past with the present.
They will then pass through the permanent exhibition halls, the golden collection of Tutankhamun, and the restoration laboratories, which are considered among the largest in the world.
The Museum also features a conference center, an educational cinema, and restaurants and shops that offer an authentic Egyptian experience.
The entire building is designed to the highest standards of environmental sustainability, and there are special pathways for visitors with special needs, ensuring them a comfortable and integrated visit.
■ Can the Museum be considered a scientific center as well, not just a tourist destination?
Absolutely, because the Museum contains specialized laboratories for restoration and archaeological research at the highest level, which will make it a global scientific center.
It also features educational and cultural programs directed at children and youth, to connect the new generations with their civilizational roots.
The goal is not just to display antiquities, but to create a new awareness of Egyptian civilization as a soft power for the entire world.
■ Finally, what do you say to the world just days before the inauguration?
I say to the whole world: Get ready to witness the greatest inauguration in modern history.
Egypt will present the world with an architectural and cultural masterpiece called the "Grand Egyptian Museum," and this event will change people's perception of our country.
The Museum's opening is a declaration that Egypt is still the maker of history, its guardian, and a participant in it.
I am confident that after November 1st, there will be no tourist in the world who does not dream of visiting Egypt.
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