The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been awarded the esteemed Prix Versailles by UNESCO, recognizing it as one of the world’s most beautiful museums for 2024. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, spotlighting museums that exemplify exceptional architectural design, local heritage, and environmental sustainability.
Egypt’s Ambassador to France and UNESCO, Alaa Youssef, accepted the award, which places GEM alongside seven other globally acclaimed museums, including the A4 Art Museum in China and the History Museum in Poland. This prestigious recognition underscores GEM’s innovative design and cultural significance, cementing its status on the international stage.
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, celebrated the award as a pivotal achievement. “This recognition not only elevates the museum’s global standing but also highlights its architectural brilliance,” Fathy remarked. “With the museum’s recent soft opening, it invites both local and international visitors to explore its unique cultural offerings.”
The Grand Egyptian Museum represents one of Egypt’s most ambitious national projects and stands as a global cultural icon. It is the largest museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization, housing the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s artifacts for the first time since their discovery in 1922. The museum also features the Museum of the Khufu Boats, further enriching its historical narrative.
Designed to mimic sun rays extending from the Giza Pyramids, the museum’s architecture marries modern innovation with ancient heritage. Currently in its soft-opening phase, GEM offers visitors access to key attractions like the Hanging Obelisk Plaza and the majestic Grand Staircase, which provides a breathtaking view of the Giza Pyramids. The museum’s 12 galleries span from the Predynastic period to the Greco-Roman era, offering a comprehensive journey through Egypt’s storied past.
Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the GEM Authority, emphasized the significance of the Prix Versailles, an award that has recognized outstanding contemporary architecture since 2015. “The GEM’s design, inspired by the sun’s rays and the Giza Pyramids, embodies Egypt’s timeless heritage,” Ghoneim noted. “This award affirms GEM as a centerpiece of global cultural tourism, drawing admiration from visitors around the world.”
With its official opening on the horizon, the Grand Egyptian Museum is poised to become a beacon of Egyptian heritage, art, and innovation, redefining cultural tourism and offering an unparalleled experience to its global audience.
