
Designed by Irish architecture firm Heneghan Peng, the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum devoted entirely to Egyptology is set to open this summer, sitting on the edge of the Giza Plateau, 2 km away from the Pyramids. Considered as the largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilization, the cultural complex will accommodate about 100,000 ancient artifacts, and will include 24,000m² of permanent exhibition space, a children’s museum, conference facilities, educational areas, a conservation center, and extensive gardens inside and around the museum's plan.
The design of the Grand Egyptian Museum was awarded to Heneghan Peng in 2003 after winning an international competition held by the Egyptian government. However, the design included a team of 300 people from 13 companies in 6 different countries as well. The Irish firm has worked alongside BuroHappold Engineering, and Arup for the engineering work, West 8 was involved in the landscaping design and master plan for the entire site, whereas German firm Atelier Brueckner was appointed to design the Tutankhamun galleries, Grand Stairs, Piazza Atrium, and the Children’s Museum.
