The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental cultural landmark near the Giza pyramids, has announced a temporary closure from October 15 to November 3, 2025, in preparation for its highly anticipated official inauguration. The museum, which has been in a soft-opening phase for nearly a year, will host a grand ceremony on November 1, with public access resuming on November 4. During its trial phase, the GEM showcased 12 galleries featuring thousands of artifacts, including the Grand Staircase adorned with statues and relics from various eras of ancient Egyptian history. Notably, the Tutankhamun Hall, housing the complete collection of the young pharaoh’s treasures—including his golden mask, coffins, and over 5,000 other artifacts—was preserved as the centerpiece for the official opening. Spanning nearly 500,000 square meters, the GEM is recognized as the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This closure marks the final step in preparing for a historic event that promises to celebrate Egypt’s rich heritage on a global stage.