Today we visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The museum presents a modern aesthetic while incorporating elements that reflect ancient Egyptian culture. Its shape is inspired by the pyramids, symbolizing the connection between past and present.
The museum will house all of King Tutankhamen’s (King Tut’s) artifacts, but as of this writing the golden mask and some other pieces are still at the old museum in downtown Cairo and are in the process of being moved over.
Collections
- Tutankhamun Exhibit: The GEM will house over 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, eventually including his famous golden mask (still at old museum), furniture, and jewelry. This collection will be displayed in a way that tells the story of the young pharaoh’s life and death.
- Royal Mummies: The museum will also feature a dedicated area for royal mummies, showcasing the preservation techniques used by ancient Egyptians and the significance of mummification in their culture.
- Various Artifacts: In addition to royal artifacts, the museum displays items from everyday life, religious objects, and monumental sculptures, providing a comprehensive view of ancient Egyptian civilization.
After the museum visit, our tour bus led us back to the hotel with just an hour to get ready for a thrilling Nile dinner cruise. It was truly an exceptional experience as we sailed onboard a floating restaurant. We had a fabulous dinner followed by live entertainment including a colorful belly dancing show with a folklore band, featuring the unforgettable Tanoura spin, in keeping with Egypt’s whirling dervishes tradition.