700,000 years of Egyptian history finds enormous new home

The Grand Staircase rises to the top of the museum, lined with some of the most pristine statues of the rulers of ancient Egypt. 

At the top, a spectacular view of the pyramids opens up with a soaring ceiling. The galleries are lined with state-of-the-art cases with historic statues offering glimpses into the daily lives of not just the kings and queens but also ordinary people.

The grand museum also takes an equally grand time to fully tour.

“It will take you at least one or two hours to see at least maybe 20% of the statues,” Hawass said.

Each piece, including huge royal busts carved in granite, the gold necklaces with turquoise and coral and a several-feet-long preserved papyrus, is given enough space to be appreciated in a thoroughly modern and tranquil environment. Modest clay statues of workers grinding wheat and attending to large vats are also on show.  

“They are telling the history of ancient Egypt, how the people lived together, the fear and hopes of the Egyptians,” Abbas said.