In recent years there has been much talk about plans for a new Egyptian Museum, but up until recently there has been no definite news. It was then officially announced by the Egyptian government that there will be a new 'Grand Egyptian Museum' on a chosen site close to the Giza pyramids.

Architects from 83 countries entered 1557 designs for the new structure in what was probably the largest international architectural competition in history. The new museum, described as 'A museum for a new millennium and a new generation' is to occupy a site on 50 hectares of land at Giza and is part of a grand plan for many changes on the plateau. It aims to be an important world centre to illustrate Egyptian civilisation in a friendly and informative way and to provide a strong link between the world's third millennium and Egypt's seventh millennium.

The museum is expected to make use of the latest technology and design with computer facilities used as educational support inside the building. It is intended to be the world's first purpose-built 'virtual museum' which will help visitors to navigate the new museum however they wish and with many technological innovations. Special care will also be taken to cater for children and younger visitors with appropriate educational displays and interactive games. Environmental issues are very much part of the plan with special attention paid to the ambience of the exhibits and the museum will have an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere which should afford the greatest comfort and stimulation to visitors.

The plan is that the Grand Egyptian Museum, expected to be the largest museum of Egyptian artefacts in the world, will house many of the objects from the Cairo Museum, including a special display to re-house the treasures of Tutankhamun. Here computer technology will also be used to allow visitors to re-live the discovery of the tomb and to feel the emotions that Howard Carter must have felt when the tomb was opened. There will also be displays of artefacts which are at present housed in the basement of the Egyptian Museum as well as stolen antiquities which have been retrieved in recent years. The new museum complex should provide visitors with a rare chance to experience a completely innovative educational environment.

After eagerly awaiting further developments, it was announced in June 2003 that the design competition has been won by Dublin-based Heneghan Peng Architects. It is hoped that the museum will be ready for opening in 2009.


July 2007: Progress update from the Egypt State Information Service

"In the first field trip to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni inspected the second phase which is due to be completed by the end of this year. The phase includes setting up a power station, a monument renovation centre and a fire-fighting unit. The great achievements astonished everyone, especially as the 2700 workers and engineers are working in 24 hour shifts, the minister said. This phase, which will last for 18 months, will be followed by the third phase of constructing the main building at the start of next year. At a press conference, the Minister confirmed that the museum is designed to withstand all possible dangers, whether natural (earthquakes) or man-made (wars). The museum project synchronizes with another giant project set up to facilitate the way to the museum which is located on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, along with works on other roads leading to the location to relieve traffic jams, the minister declared, pointing out that studies are ongoing to expand the desert road. The Minister lauded Japan's contribution in building the museum through a $300 million soft loan to be paid after 20 years. According to the feasibility study, the Grand Museum will have covered its costs after 12 years of operation. Farouk Hosni said that the Grand Museum project is considered the most important civilization and cultural project in the new century".

For latest news of the project see the Grand Egyptian Museum official website.