World · Africa · 1 hr ago
Grand Egyptian Museum draws 4 million visitors in its first year
The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza has drawn about 4 million visitors since opening a year ago, as of the end of August.
It houses more than 100,000 objects linked to ancient Egypt across about 50,000 square meters of exhibition space.
The museum was built with Japanese assistance, including loans from Japan’s government and support for preserving cultural property.
Its strong visitor numbers come despite tensions in the Middle East, which have worried some travelers.
Egypt expects tourist numbers to rise about 5 percent this year from last year and has set a goal of 30 million visitors by the 2030s.
The museum raised admission prices in November and introduced an after-hours program featuring projections of ancient Egyptian history, while a library opened in July for researchers.
The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza has drawn about 4 million visitors by the end of August, about a year after it opened.
The museum houses more than 100,000 cultural artifacts related to ancient Egypt.
Built with assistance from Japan, it is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single civilization.
Egypt’s tourism industry has continued to thrive despite tensions in the Middle East.
The museum raised admission prices in November and launched an after-hours program called Eternal Sun.
- Who
- The Grand Egyptian Museum and its visitors.
- What
- The museum has drawn about 4 million visitors in its first year.
- When
- About a year after it opened; the visitor total was reported as of the end of August.
- Where
- Near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The museum opened a library with approximately 17,000 books for researchers.
About 4 million people had visited the museum.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the museum was generating significant momentum for the tourism industry.
The museum was packed with students on field trips and groups from around the world.
The museum raised admission prices and launched the after-hours Eternal Sun program.
- Visitors
- About 4 million by the end of August
- Artifacts
- More than 100,000 cultural artifacts related to ancient Egypt
- Exhibition space
- About 50,000 square meters
- Japanese government assistance
- 84.2 billion yen ($527 million) in loans
- Library
- Approximately 17,000 books
What people are saying
I'm really glad I came. This facility symbolizes the friendly relations between Japan and Egypt, and I'm proud of it,