The Grand Egyptian Museum: Egypt’s amazing new home of history

This children’s article, The Grand Egyptian Museum: Egypt’s amazing new home of history, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about ancient Egypt, and discover one of the world’s newest and most spectacular museums. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

A museum like no other

A brand new museum has opened in Egypt, and it’s already being called one of the greatest museums in the world. The Grand Egyptian Museum, or GEM, holds around 100,000 artefacts that tell the story of Egypt’s long and fascinating history. It covers about 7,000 years, from before the time of the pharaohs all the way to the Greek and Roman eras.

The museum stands beside the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its design fits beautifully with the desert surroundings, a huge pyramid-shaped entrance made from pale stone and glass. The building is massive too, roughly the same size as 70 football pitches, and it took around 20 years to complete.

Ancient treasures on display

Inside the museum are some of the most famous treasures ever discovered. For the first time, the entire tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun is on show, including his dazzling gold mask, royal throne, and chariots. A 3,200-year-old obelisk from Pharaoh Ramesses II appears to float in mid-air, while his enormous 11-metre statue welcomes visitors at the entrance.

There’s also a new display for the 4,500-year-old funerary boat of Khufu, one of the oldest wooden ships ever found. A grand staircase inside the museum is lined with statues of Egyptian kings and queens, and an upper gallery window gives a perfect view of the pyramids outside.

A celebration for the world

The opening of the GEM was celebrated with fireworks, music, and a dazzling light show. Leaders and royal guests from all over the world gathered in Cairo to see the event. Egypt’s president said the museum marked “a new chapter” in Egypt’s story, a proud moment for a country famous for its ancient civilisation.

It’s hoped that the new museum will attract millions of visitors every year and boost tourism in Egypt. It also shows that while Egypt’s history is thousands of years old, the country is still full of creativity, energy, and pride today.

Keeping history alive

The Grand Egyptian Museum isn’t just about the past; it’s about protecting history for the future. With modern technology and careful conservation, the museum will help keep Egypt’s treasures safe for generations to come. It’s a place where history, science, and art all come together, and where young visitors can stand face to face with the wonders of the ancient world.

Article vocabulary list

• Pharaoh – An ancient Egyptian king or ruler.
• Artefact – An object made by humans, usually from long ago.
• Obelisk – A tall, four-sided stone monument with a pyramid-shaped top.
• Civilisation – A group of people who have developed cities, writing, and culture.
• Dynasty – A series of rulers from the same family line.
• Throne – The special chair where a king or queen sits.
• Hieroglyphs – The picture writing used by ancient Egyptians.
• Tourism – The business of attracting people to visit a country.

Comprehension questions

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