Grand Egyptian Museum
Giza, Egypt
Partially opened in October 2024
The Grand Egyptian Museum partially opened its much-anticipated main galleries to the public in October. It is set to become one of the world’s most remarkable cultural landmarks and once complete, will be the largest archaeological museum in the world. Greenway Associates first began work on this awe-inspiring project almost 20 years ago, with project leads Jamie Kessack and Mark Greenway contributing to its planning and realisation.
© The Grand Egyptian Museum
THE PROJECT
The Grand Egyptian Museum was designed to be the world's largest museum.
Located on a 120-acre site just 2km from the pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) represents a landmark achievement in modern museum architecture and a long-awaited celebration of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
The architectural design by Heneghan Peng Architects is simply, impressive. The planes of the external walls and the rake of the roof were formed using imaginary sight-lines, drawn from the museum to the centres of two of the Pyramids of Giza. This thoughtful design ensures that, after exploring thousands of artefacts and delving into Egypt’s incredible history, visitors are treated to a stunning final view of the Pyramids, seamlessly connecting the past with the present.
The monumental internal space immerses visitors in thousands of years of ancient history, with over 100,000 artefacts - the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts under one roof in the world.
Visitors will be guided through a thoughtfully orchestrated sequence of spaces, beginning with a monumental forecourt and a shaded entrance that leads to the iconic grand staircase.
This impressive ascent not only frames breathtaking views of the Giza Pyramids but also creates a profound sense of connection to Egypt’s ancient wonders across time.
When fully accessible, the GEM will deliver an extraordinary cultural experience, encompassing 24,000 square meters of permanent exhibition space, a dedicated children’s museum, state-of-the-art conference and educational facilities and a world-class conservation centre.
A Giant Statue of Ramesses II © The Grand Egyptian Museum
OUR ROLE
In October 2004, around 20 years ago, Jamie Kessack and Mark Greenway, founder of Greenway Associates, began work as Cost Consultants on the permanent exhibition spaces in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Over the next seven years, from 2004 to 2011, Greenway Associates collaborated closely with exhibition designers and master planners Cultural Innovations and Metaphor Communications Ltd, providing essential cost planning, market research and procurement strategy services during the museum's early design development stages.
As part of our involvement during this period, our team made multiple trips to Cairo to meet with local suppliers and contractors.
These visits were crucial in assessing the capabilities of the local market to handle a project of this scale. The visits were also essential to gather necessary market research data to inform key decisions during the design process.
However, due to the political climate and the outbreak of the Egyptian Revolution in 2011, work on the project had to be paused.
The subsequent period of political instability brought the project to a halt during the detailed design phase.
In 2019, Greenway Associates re-engaged with the Grand Egyptian Museum project. Jared Mensah from our team, along with Hayley Sharpe, were involved during the procurement and construction phases, focusing specifically on the cost reviews for the two main galleries.
Our work in these later stages ensured that the project remained on track and within budget, helping to bring the vision of the Grand Egyptian Museum closer to completion.
“One of the greatest joys of cost planning new landmark museums is the challenge to estimate the cost of creative ways to display content.
Some memorable aspects of the design at the time included:
- a 1:2 scale re-creation of Tutankhamun’s tomb, as discovered by Howard Carter, to be displayed under a glass floor which visitors could walk on and view from above,
- the display of an ancient solar boat,
- the grand staircase displaying 3,500 years of history with statues of Pharaohs and their cartouches, followed by a view of the pyramids themselves at the top,
- and arguably the showpiece display of all, Tutankhamun’s famous death mask, which at the time was proposed to be displayed in a black space, lit within a showcase, to give the impression it is floating in midair.
The combination of interpretive displays including showcases, digital, scenic recreations and models made the project one of our most pleasurable to cost plan.”
Jamie Kessack and Mark Greenway from Greenway Associates have worked together on international projects for over 20 years.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Nearly two decades in the making, GEM stands as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, positioning itself as a must-visit global cultural destination. Connecting the museum to the pyramids is a newly constructed tourist walkway, that seamlessly bridges the ancient world with modern tourism.
Internally, the layout centres around the grand staircase, flanked by towering statues, which guide guests through expansive galleries filled with treasures like the solar boats of Pharaoh Khufu—believed to transport him to the afterlife.
Detail of the towering statues going up The Grand Staircase - © The Grand Egyptian Museum
Following last year’s unveiling of the main hall and grand staircase, GEM has continued to open in phases, with final preparations for a full launch underway. Although King Tutankhamun’s complete collection has yet to be unveiled, the museum’s partial opening offers a tantalising preview, featuring exhibits that range from monumental pharaonic statues to intricately decorated sarcophagi and mummified remains.
One of the Main Galleries now open to the public, designed by Cultural Innovations. © The Grand Egyptian Museum
CHALLENGES
Despite facing multiple delays—including financial hurdles, significant political events and the COVID-19 pandemic—the museum’s partial opening has given the world a glimpse of its grand vision.
Whilst not a challenge, the sheer scale, subject matter and ambition of the project made it something special to be part of. Working closely with Cultural Innovations and Metaphor was a wonderful experience, as the development of their ideas on how to display and interpret 100,000 objects from Egypt’s history developed was captivating. We effectively had a “front row seat” and were able to follow their creative journey, as we supported them with our cost planning services.
As cost consultants, we are proud to have played a role in bringing this extraordinary vision to life, ensuring the successful delivery of a world-class institution that celebrates Egypt’s remarkable history and cultural legacy.
THE DETAILS
Client: Ministry of Culture, Egypt
Architect: Heneghan Peng Architects
Exhibition Designers: Cultural Innovations & Metaphor
Exhibition Cost Consultant: Greenway Associates
Status: Partial Opening October 2024