The Grand Cairo Museum visitors so captivated that they fall into water • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
• Ramesses II statue
• Tutankhamun galleries
• Museum visitor experience
• Safety and accessibility

Grand Egyptian Museum: An Overview

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, the world's largest museum dedicated to ancient Egypt, opened in November. It features 80 galleries spread across several floors.

Entrance and the Statue of Ramesses II

Upon entering the GEM, visitors are greeted by a monumental statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II. This statue stands 11 meters high and weighs 83 tons. A notable issue at the entrance is the proximity of visitors to the statue, with only floor markings as barriers. This has led to instances of visitors falling into the water feature surrounding the statue, a phenomenon that has been widely shared on social media. Security personnel are present to prevent visitors from entering the water, as exemplified by an interaction with a French tourist who was too close to the edge. The transcript highlights the ease with which one could fall if not careful, emphasizing the need for visitors to maintain a safe distance.

Tutankhamun Galleries

A particularly popular section of the museum is dedicated to the young king Tutankhamun. Within these galleries, there is no risk of falling into water. Instead, visitors are immersed in history, often surrounded by crowds. These galleries offer a view of the desert and the pyramids.

Visitor Experience and Safety

The transcript touches upon the visitor experience, noting the popularity of certain exhibits like those of Tutankhamun and the potential for accidents at the entrance due to the lack of physical barriers around the Ramesses II statue. The presence of security guards is highlighted as a measure to ensure visitor safety.

Conclusion

The Grand Egyptian Museum is a vast repository of ancient Egyptian history, with its impressive collection and numerous galleries. While the entrance features a striking, yet potentially hazardous, display of Ramesses II, the interior, particularly the Tutankhamun galleries, offers a safe and immersive historical experience, albeit with significant crowds. The museum's design and visitor management, especially concerning safety around prominent exhibits, are key aspects of the visitor experience.