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Museums

10 Jul 2024, 10:53

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and a must-visit for anyone interested in Egypt's rich history and culture. Established in 1902, this world-renowned museum houses the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the civilization that built the pyramids and ruled the Nile for millennia. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of The Egyptian Museum, explore its vast contents, and provide insights into the best tours that will make your visit unforgettable. History of The Egyptian Museum The Egyptian Museum, also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1902. Located in the heart of Cairo, the museum was designed by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon. It was established to house and protect Egypt's vast collection of ancient artifacts, which were previously scattered across various locations. For most people, the idea of witnessing real magic is quite absurd, but everything changes when you step inside one of the oldest museums in the world. The Egyptian Museum contains the biggest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, making it a house of absolute wonder and beauty. The artifacts span the different stages of ancient Egyptian civilization's evolution. The history of The Egyptian Museum dates back even further, as it was first constructed in 1835 near Ezbekeyah Garden. However, Mohammed Ali later moved it to Cairo Citadel to protect Egypt's heritage. The museum's history reflects its enduring role in safeguarding Egypt's rich cultural heritage and making it accessible to people from around the world. The History of The Egyptian Museum is a testament to Egypt's commitment to preserving and showcasing its ancient treasures, ensuring that the legacy of its remarkable civilization continues to inspire and educate future generations. Contents of The Egyptian Museum The Egyptian Museum boasts an extensive collection of over 120,000 items, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. Among its most famous exhibits are the treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask and stunning jewelry. The museum also features statues, mummies, and artifacts spanning various periods of ancient Egyptian history, from the Old Kingdom to the Greco-Roman era. Visitors can marvel at the intricately carved sarcophagi, delicate papyrus scrolls, and beautifully preserved everyday objects that offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Egyptians. Each artifact tells a unique story, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Egypt's rich cultural heritage. One of the most famous artifacts is the Narmer Plate, which tells the story of the unification battle at the hands of King Menes and is part of the legacy of the age of the pyramids in the old era. On the ground floor, visitors can find statues of King Khufu, Khafre, and many others. Most of the monuments in the museum belong to the New Kingdom (1550-712 BC), covering three dynasties from the 18th to the 20th. These artifacts include crowns, wooden objects, and gold statues of goddesses like Hathor and Amun, as well as the luxurious belongings of many kings and queens. Prominent among these are items from the reigns of Thutmosis III, Thutmosis IV, Amenophis II, Egypt's most powerful Queen Hatshepsut, and the Great Ramses II. Of course, the famous Boy King Tutankhamun's treasures are a significant highlight. The Egyptian Museum's vast collection offers an unparalleled journey through the annals of ancient Egypt, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the splendor and complexity of this remarkable civilization. The Contents of The Egyptian Museum are curated to provide a deep and engaging insight into the daily life, religious practices, and political history of ancient Egypt. Each section of the museum is designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the ancient world, making your visit a truly enlightening experience. Tours to The Egyptian Museum To fully appreciate the history and culture housed within The Egyptian Museum, consider joining one of the expertly guided tours offered by Sun Pyramids Tours. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through the museum's most significant exhibits, providing fascinating insights and historical context. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Egypt enthusiast, our tours are designed to enhance your experience and ensure you don't miss any of the museum's highlights. From the awe-inspiring treasures of Tutankhamun to lesser-known but equally captivating artifacts, our tours offer a thorough exploration of this world-class museum. If you are already in Cairo and want to visit The Egyptian Museum, you can check out our specialized Cairo tours. These tours are tailored to give you an in-depth understanding of The Exhibits at the Egyptian Museum, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. For those planning a trip from outside Egypt, our comprehensive Egypt tour packages include a visit to The Egyptian Museum as well as a fantastic Nile river cruise, making your Egypt vacation a trip to remember. Our tours are crafted to provide an immersive experience, combining educational content with the thrill of discovery. You will learn about the intricate details of artifacts such as the Narmer Plate, the statues of King Khufu and Khafre, and the numerous treasures of the New Kingdom. Our expert guides ensure that you gain a deeper appreciation of the historical and cultural significance of each exhibit. Join Sun Pyramids Tours for an unforgettable journey through ancient history at The Egyptian Museum. Book your tour today, and let us guide you through the treasures of the pharaohs, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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7 Aug 2024, 10:03

The Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza is a state-of-the-art cultural landmark housing Egypt's vast archaeological treasures. Slated to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, GEM offers visitors an unparalleled journey through Egypt's ancient history and iconic artifacts. This New Egyptian Museum is a realm of divine creations made of pure magic and wonder. It displays artistic awakenings, mythological beliefs, and historical progress. It is designed to ensure these treasures survive for generations to come. Described as the largest archaeological museum in the world, GEM will accommodate 5 million visitors a year. The museum It will exhibit the complete King Tutankhamun collection, with many pieces displayed for the first time. At a cost of one billion dollars, primarily financed by two Japanese government loans totaling 300 million dollars, the GEM represents a monumental investment in preserving Egypt's heritage. The Grand Egyptian Museum Overview The Grand Egyptian Museum showcases over 50,000 artifacts and aims to provide a comprehensive view of Egypt's rich history from prehistory through the Greco-Roman period. Like the great Library of Alexandria, the design of the building was decided through an architectural competition. Announced on January 7, 2002, the competition received 1,557 entries from 82 countries, making it the second-largest architectural competition in history. In the second stage, 20 entries were asked to submit additional details about their designs. Judging was completed by June 2, 2003, and the company Heneghan Peng from Dublin, Ireland, emerged as the winner, earning $250,000 and the opportunity to see their design come to life. The Grand Egyptian Museum was constructed by the Belgian company BESIX in a joint venture with Orascom Construction (OC) as the official contractor at a cost of $810 million. The principal architects were Róisín Heneghan and Shi-Fu Peng from Heneghan Peng, with Arup as the leading structural engineer and Buro Happold as the services engineer. To witness the milestones of the GEM, everyone can book our incredible Sun Pyramids Tour at the Grand Egyptian Museum. The Grand Egyptian Museum Location Situated on the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum lies just 2 km from the Great Pyramids. Its strategic location offers stunning views and easy access, making it a prime destination for tourists exploring Egypt's ancient wonders. The Grand Egyptian Museum Design The GEM boasts a modern design with vast exhibition halls, a grand staircase, and a glass facade facing the pyramids. Inside, visitors will find galleries, a children's museum, conference centers, and state-of-the-art conservation labs. The design of the museum utilizes the level difference to construct a new "Edge" to the plateau, a surface defined by a veil of translucent stone that magically transforms from day to night. The museum exists between the level of the Nile River and the plateau, seamlessly integrating into the landscape. It sits on a site 2 km west of the Giza pyramids and funerary monuments, near a motorway interchange. The building's north and south walls align perfectly with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure, creating a direct visual connection with these ancient wonders. The Grand Egyptian Museum is designed to include the latest advanced technology, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive exhibits, 3D models, and more. These features will enhance the visitor experience, providing an immersive and engaging journey through Egypt's history. Additionally, the museum will serve as an international center of communication, promoting direct contact and collaboration with other local and international museums. This interconnected approach ensures that GEM will be a hub of cultural exchange and preservation, furthering its mission to safeguard Egypt's heritage for future generations. What Inside the GEM Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), visitors will find galleries, a children's museum, conference centers, and state-of-the-art conservation labs. The museum holds 122 highly advanced displays designed by the Italian company Goppion, which offer ideal protection for organic, artistic, and fragile artifacts. One of the museum's highlights is the 3,200-year-old, 82-ton statue of Ramses the Great, which stands majestically in the atrium. Additionally, there is a hall dedicated to King Khufu's Solar Boat, both transported from the Giza Complex. The Grand Egyptian Museum will also feature a children's museum, conference center, training center, and workshops reminiscent of ancient Pharaonic places. A critical area within the museum is the restoration center, which covers 32,000 square meters and is situated 10 meters underground. It is connected to the museum by a 300-meter tunnel, which is used for transporting artifacts after restoration. The center includes 19 laboratories dedicated to preserving and restoring various ancient Egyptian artifacts. These labs include facilities for vases, glass, and metal artifacts, a wood lab for artifacts made from wood, and a stone lab for statues. A specialized microbiological lab is dedicated to protecting artifacts by identifying and eliminating harmful microorganisms. The center also houses a microscope scanner lab for preparing and examining samples. Additionally, a human remains lab, known as the "Mummies Lab," is responsible for restoring the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings, queens, workers, and even animals like cats and birds. The exterior design of the Grand Egyptian Museum is a modern interpretation of classic Egyptian architecture, focusing on environmental sustainability. Key features include a triangular pyramid-shaped main building with a sloping roof rising to around 50 meters, paying homage to Egypt's ancient pyramids. The high-performance glass facade allows natural light to flood the interior and helps regulate the temperature, reducing the need for artificial cooling. The exterior is decorated with laser-cut limestone, and the roof is covered with solar panels arranged to mimic the Nile River delta. These panels generate renewable energy to power the museum's lighting and electrical systems. The grounds feature gardens and landscaped areas that cool the environment and promote biodiversity, including native Egyptian plants that connect visitors to the country's natural heritage. The Architecture of the Grand Egyptian Museum Area Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, the Grand Egyptian Museum's architecture features a translucent stone facade and open spaces. The building's layout seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, providing a visually stunning and immersive experience. The Grand Egyptian Museum spans 480,000 square meters (5,200,000 sq ft) with a floor area of 81,000 square meters (870,000 sq ft), located approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) northwest of the Giza pyramids and 15 km from Cairo. This prime location is part of a new master plan for the plateau. In front of the building is a large plaza adorned with numerous date palms, adding to the museum's aesthetic appeal. One of the leading architectural features is the translucent stone wall made of pure alabaster, which forms the front facade of the building. This alabaster wall allows natural light to illuminate the interior, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Inside the main entrance of the Grand Egyptian Museum is a vast atrium where giant statues, including those of Ramses the Great, will be exhibited. The GEM is envisioned as a cultural complex dedicated to Egyptology, encompassing 24,000 square meters of permanent exhibition space—almost the size of four football fields. The 50-hectare site also includes a children's museum, a large conference center, educational facilities, and extensive gardens. The actual construction work began on February 2, 2010, when Hill International announced that Egypt's Ministry of Culture had signed a contract with a joint venture of Hill and EHAF Consulting Engineers to provide project management services during the design and construction phases of the Grand Egyptian Museum. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the GEM becomes a state-of-the-art facility that celebrates and preserves Egypt's rich cultural heritage. Exhibits of the Grand Egyptian Museum The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will display a vast collection of artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection. Visitors will explore exhibits detailing ancient Egyptian civilization, from royal mummies to everyday objects used thousands of years ago. The museum will cover about one-third of the total museum grounds, showcasing more than 100,000 artifacts from various periods, many of which have never been seen before. The main attraction will be the first exhibition of the full tomb collection of King Tutankhamun, featuring around 5,000 items that will be relocated from The Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This comprehensive display will offer an unprecedented look at the treasures of the young pharaoh. Other significant artifacts will be brought in from storages and museums across Egypt, including the great statue of Amenhotep III and a four-ton pink granite statue of the god Horus. These items will come from Luxor, Aswan, Minya, Sohag, Assiut, Beni Suef, Fayoum, the Delta, and Alexandria. The Grand Egyptian Museum will provide visitors with a unique and comprehensive view of ancient Egyptian civilization, highlighting the grandeur and daily life of one of history's most fascinating cultures. This collection will be a testament to Egypt's rich heritage, preserved and showcased in a state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire and educate future generations. What You Can See During the Limited GEM Tours? During the limited GEM tours, visitors can preview key exhibits, such as the colossal statue of Ramses II and select artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb. These exclusive tours offer a glimpse of the museum's grandeur before its official opening. During the limited tour of the soft opening, everyone will cast their eyes on the following attractions: The Conservation Centre: Witness the meticulous restoration processes preserving Egypt's priceless artifacts. Solar Boat of King Khufu: Marvel at this ancient wonder, which once sailed the Nile and is now meticulously reconstructed. Hanging Obelisk: A unique architectural feat displaying an obelisk suspended in mid-air. King Ramses II Statue: Admire the colossal statue of one of Egypt's most famous pharaohs. 10 Statues of King Senusert: Explore the impressive statues of this notable Middle Kingdom ruler. Grand Staircase: Walk the grand staircase adorned with significant historical statues and relics. Statues of Ptolemaic King and Queen: Discover the majestic statues representing the Ptolemaic dynasty's royalty. The Victory Column of King Merneptah: Observe this ancient column celebrating the victories of King Merneptah. The Royal Regalia: View the exquisite royal regalia that adorned Egypt's ancient monarchs. Grand Atrium & Gift Shop: Enjoy the breathtaking atrium filled with artifacts and the well-curated gift shop for souvenirs. These limited tours at the Grand Egyptian Museum offer a unique opportunity to experience the majesty and meticulous craftsmanship of ancient Egypt, providing a captivating prelude to the museum's full opening. Cairo Tours: Exploring The Grand Egyptian Museum and More Discover the wonders of the Grand Egyptian Museum with Sun Pyramids Tours. Our expert guides offer in-depth tours of the GEM and other historical sites in Cairo. Immerse yourself in Egypt's ancient treasures, including the complete Tutankhamun collection and the colossal statues of Ramses II. Book today to explore Egypt's vibrant culture and rich history with Sun Pyramids Tours. Check out our Grand Egyptian Museum tours and Nile river cruises for a dream vacation. Experience the magic of Egypt with us. Why do I book with Sun Pyramids Tours? 1) Expertise and Experience: Sun Pyramids Tours has 53 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. 2) Customized Itineraries: Sun Pyramids Tours offers tailored itineraries to suit your preferences. Whether you're interested in historical sites, cultural immersion, or adventure activities, we can design a tour that matches your interests. 3) Local Connections and Insider Access: Sun Pyramids Tours can provide you with unique opportunities and insider access to attractions and experiences that may not be easily accessible to independent travelers. 4) Hassle-Free Planning: Sun Pyramids Tours can take the stress out of planning your trip. We handle all the logistics, including accommodations, transportation, and guided tours, at competitive prices… Relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the details. 5) Customer Satisfaction: Sun Pyramids Tours prides itself on providing excellent customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction. They strive to meet and exceed your expectations, making your trip enjoyable and memorable. Add trip advisor reviews, Facebook page reviews, etc. 6) Safety and Security: Sun Pyramids Tours prioritizes the safety and security of their guests. We work with trusted partners, adhere to safety guidelines, and provide support throughout your journey to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.

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