**Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum Begins Trial Run with Main Galleries**

The long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the iconic Giza pyramids, will finally offer a glimpse into its array of ancient treasures as it partially opens its main galleries today. This ambitious project, which has seen an investment exceeding $1 billion (£765 million), is set to welcome 4,000 visitors in a trial run, as stated by Al-Tayeb Abbas, assistant to the minister of antiquities.

After over a decade of construction marked by numerous delays, including those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum's 12 halls are ready to unveil aspects of ancient Egyptian society, religion, and doctrine. These halls, organized chronologically and by dynasty, will display over 100,000 artefacts, with each hall featuring at least 15,000 items from Egypt’s rich history.

The exhibits range through various eras, including the third intermediate period (circa 1070-664 BC), the late period (664-332 BC), the Graeco-Roman period (332 BC-AD 395), the new kingdom (1550-1070 BC), the middle kingdom (2030-1650 BC), and the old kingdom (2649-2130 BC). Notably, one hall is dedicated to statues of the "elite of the king," showcasing members of the royal family and significant officials within the army, priesthood, and government.

Parts of the museum have been open for limited tours since late 2022. These early openings have helped to test visitor experience and operational readiness. Feedback from visitors, such as Aude Porcedde from Canada and Jorge Licano from Costa Rica, has been overwhelmingly positive. Porcedde expressed amazement at the exhibits, emphasizing the global importance of Egyptian civilization, while Licano appreciated the rich history and new knowledge gained from the museum.

The trial run also includes the grand staircase, which offers a stunning view of the pyramids and features sarcophagi and statues. However, some areas, such as the Tutankhamun treasure collection, remain closed, with plans for future openings.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and multimedia presentations, the museum aims to provide comprehensive insight into the lives of ancient Egyptians. Eissa Zidan, director-general of preliminary restoration and antiquities transfer, highlighted an innovative virtual reality hall that will explain the history and development of burial practices throughout ancient Egypt.

"The museum is not only a place to display antiquities, but it also aims to attract children to learn about ancient Egyptian history," Zidan said. "The museum is a gift to all the world."