Video | Egyptians in New York Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum

By Ahmed Fathi

New York: Under the vaulted ceiling of the St. George Community Center in New York, Egyptian pride filled the air. Diplomats in New York, United Nations officials, members of the consular corps, and the Egyptian American community gathered to watch the live broadcast of a moment generations had awaited — the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo.

Hosted by the Consulate General of Egypt in New York, and co-sponsored by EgyptAir and the National Bank of Egypt, the evening began with a reception and ended in cheers as Cairo’s fireworks illuminated the screen. For many in attendance, the museum’s opening was more than an architectural triumph — it was the rebirth of a national spirit.

“This project began back in 1992. For all Egyptians, whether at home or abroad, it’s a dream come true,” said Ambassador Tamer El-Miligy, Egypt’s Consul General in New York. “The Grand Egyptian Museum — the GEM — truly lives up to its name.”

Across social media, Egyptians in every corner of the world joined in the celebration, sharing AI-generated portraits of themselves as pharaohs — a digital expression of pride that blended humor, nostalgia, and heritage. The phenomenon, dubbed “Egypt Mania,” captured a new wave of connection among Egyptians everywhere.

“Egypt is a cultural superpower,” said Ambassador Ossama Abdelkhalek, Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. “This museum is our gift to humanity — a showcase of our heritage, our identity, and our future.”

From the event, Ambassador Mohammed Idriss, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the UN, reflected on Egypt’s layered identity — one that continues to evolve.

“Egyptian identity is not one-dimensional. It’s Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic, Mediterranean, African, and Arab. That richness makes us unique,” he said.

Corporate sponsors echoed the same pride. Ahmed El-Dessouky, EgyptAir’s Regional General Manager for the U.S., described the airline’s role in connecting cultures.

“It’s in our genes — this pride runs deep. EgyptAir connects the world to Egypt, and moments like this inspire more people to visit.”

As the broadcast concluded, applause filled the theater. Some guests wiped away tears; others waved small Egyptian flags. For one evening, thousands of miles from Cairo, Egyptians stood together in a shared emotion that spanned time and continents — a civilization reborn before their eyes.

The Grand Egyptian Museum may stand beside the Pyramids of Giza, but on this night, its spirit reached all the way to New York.

About the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Located just two kilometers from the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the largest archaeological museum in the world. It covers more than 12 Acres (490,000 square meters) and has more than 100,000 objects, including the full riches of King Tutankhamun, which are on display for the first time. The GEM is more than just a museum; it's a cultural metropolis that connects Egypt's ancient and modern civilizations. It has research facilities, a conservation center, and huge public areas that celebrate 7,000 years of human history.