The Grand Egyptian Museum
Al-Ahram, Egypt, November 8
It is not my habit to comment on events at their most celebrated or most tragic, yet a week has now passed since one of the most significant moments in modern Egyptian history: the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, known worldwide as the GEM—a true treasure, a resplendent diamond crowning Egypt’s cultural heritage, a radiant masterpiece that transcends time. It stands as a monument to endurance and beauty, its very form captivating the eye and stirring the soul.
My late uncle, the artist Abdul Badi Abdul Rahman, once said before leaving for the United States that living in Cairo was only possible by the Nile or beside the pyramids. Since he chose to live near the latter, I did the same. Now, the “Gawhara,” the Golden Jewel, lies not far from where I reside, and each morning the tips of the great pyramids rise into view. The opening night of the GEM was nothing short of breathtaking: a vibrant spectacle of color and light, transforming the night into a living canvas of brilliance. What stood out most, however, was the palpable excitement of the Egyptian people, especially their children, who embraced this modern marvel rooted in ancient history. Such collective joy is a rarity in Egyptian life, and it was both profound and creative, radiating outward from a deep sense of national pride and cultural identity.
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The following morning, after hours spent delving into the museum’s history, its treasures, and the stories of those who envisioned, designed, and built it, I awoke early, uncertain whether the broadcast I had been invited to join would proceed smoothly. The television channel, mindful of potential delays, prepared for every contingency. Yet, as if by blessing, everything went seamlessly. The broadcast aired on time and carried an exuberant tone—a welcome departure from the somber rhythm of months spent discussing the devastation of Gaza and its grim aftermath. That day was one of unadulterated joy, a celebration not merely of architecture but of civilization itself. Like a finely cut gem, the museum now gleams with all its facets polished, ready to gift the world a luminous reminder of Egypt’s eternal legacy. In my seventy-seventh year, I felt a joy both rare and long-awaited—a moment of collective triumph and personal fulfillment that will remain etched in memory as a radiant chapter in Egypt’s enduring story.
Abdel Moneim Saeed (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
