Egypt has unveiled one of the most ambitious cultural projects in modern history: the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Located just two kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, this architectural marvel officially opened to the public on November 4, 2025, following a star-studded inauguration ceremony on November 1 attended by world leaders and dignitaries.
Spanning a 500,000 square meter site and with a built-up area of 168,000 square meters, GEM is the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. Visitors encounter more than 25,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures—5,398 items displayed together for the first time since their discovery in 1922. Other highlights include the colossal statue of Ramses II, the 4,600-year-old Khufu solar boat, and the Hanging Obelisk suspended above the entrance plaza.
Beyond its scale and treasures, GEM is a triumph of design and sustainability. Conceived by Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum’s chamfered triangular form aligns with the sightlines of the Giza pyramids, blending modernity with ancient heritage. It also earned the EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification, cutting energy use by 60% and water consumption by 34%, making it the first museum in Africa and the Middle East to achieve this distinction.
Hill International: Driving Excellence
While the artifacts and architecture capture global attention, the successful delivery of GEM owes much to the expertise of GISI Consulting Group company Hill International, a global leader in construction and project management. Serving as program and project manager, Hill has been instrumental in steering this $1 billion mega-project through its complex lifecycle, from initial planning to final execution.
Hill’s responsibilities encompassed construction management, scheduling, cost control, and risk mitigation. The firm coordinated the integration of multiple components, including the main museum building, conference center, children’s museum, conservation labs, and extensive external works. Its team managed intricate logistics such as relocating Ramses II’s 83-ton statue and ensuring the installation of cutting-edge exhibition technologies.
“The Grand Egyptian Museum is an iconic project and the most significant cultural undertaking of our time,” says Waleed Abdel-Fattah, Hill International President. “Thank you to everyone who participated in this project, and we invite the whole world to come and visit the museum, showing the new face of Egyptian artifacts to the whole world.”
A New Home for Egyptian Heritage
The opening of GEM marks more than the completion of a building – it’s an embodiment of Egypt’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing innovation. With panoramic views of the pyramids, immersive galleries, and advanced conservation facilities, the museum is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, reinforcing Egypt’s position as a global hub for archaeology and tourism.
“This museum is a global benchmark for what visionary leadership and disciplined execution can achieve,” says GISI Consulting Group CEO Derek Amidon. “We know that iconic projects demand collaboration across borders and unwavering commitment to excellence in delivery. We’re proud to have played a role in turning ambition into reality, redefining how the world experiences history.”
Hill International provides program, project, and construction management services for clients in a range of sectors undertaking major construction projects across the world. Hill is the 3rd largest project and construction management firm in the U.S., as featured in Building Design + Construction magazine. Hill is also ranked as the 8th largest overall U.S. construction management firm by Engineering News-Record. The team has participated in more than 90,000 project assignments with a total construction value of over $1 trillion, and operates in more than 100 offices across 42 countries.