Showcasing millennia of Egyptian history and culture, the Grand Egyptian Museum is a monumental project in Cairo, Egypt, designed by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects. Home to over 100,000 artifacts spanning Egypt’s storied past, the museum is on the brink of opening its doors to the public after multiple setbacks. Recent updates offer glimpses of the structure’s progress, with photographs captured by Egyptian photographer Farida Bustani providing sneak peeks of the architectural landmark.
Framed against the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the museum stands as a beacon of cultural heritage. Originally slated for completion in late 2020, the museum’s journey has been marked by numerous hurdles. Spanning 500,000 square meters, the design seeks to be a testament to the intertwining of modern architecture and ancient heritage.
Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects to echo the timeless grandeur of Egypt’s iconic pyramids, the museum’s stone façade integrates into the surrounding landscape. Featuring a triangular opening made of locally sourced alabaster, the striking façade changes from day to night, reminiscent of the sands in the surrounding context. The museum showcases three visual axes, each aligning with either pyramid in the backdrop. Additionally, the three axes carve the museum into distinct zones, inviting visitors on a journey through Egypt’s past. At the heart of the museum lies the great court, acting as the permanent exhibition space.
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The court features a monumental sculpture of Egyptian Pharaoh Rameses II and offers a curated preview into the world of Ancient Egypt. According to the Independent UK, the 3,200-year-old statue stands at 11 meters tall, requiring the museum to be built around it after its early installation. Following this entrance is a secondary forecourt, hosting a grand shaded staircase that ascends to the original plateau level. The artifacts placed are a testament to the legacy of one of humanity’s oldest civilizations, from the Tutankhamun Collection to the iconic Solar Boat.
Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt, is a vibrant metropolis where ancient history and modern life intertwine. In other similar news, Downtown Cairo’s Jameel Center was recently captured by photographer Ebrahim Bahaa Eldin. Established in 1989, the Center serves as a hub for modern management education, boasting Mamluk-inspired arches and wooden mashrabiyas. In November, CulturVator – Art D’Egypte launched its third edition of the annual international exhibition “Forever is Now,” set against the backdrop of the Great Pyramids of Giza. The display featured the work of 14 international artists creatively responding to and interacting with one of the world’s most iconic historical sites.
