Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Chief Executive Ahmed Ghoneim, and French Ambassador to Egypt Eric Chevallier inaugurated the GEM library, a joint Egyptian-French project housing approximately 17,000 specialised volumes, on Monday evening.
The facility, which stems from a 2022 initiative between Egypt and France, holds volumes in multiple languages covering Egyptology, archaeology, restoration, museology, anthropology, architecture, history, and cultural heritage. Its interior design blends contemporary French elements with the museum’s architectural style.
Fathy stated that the library adds to the GEM, which he described as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation and a global centre equipped with advanced restoration and conservation laboratories. He highlighted the cooperation between Egypt and France across tourism, antiquities, and scientific research, noting that the foundations for this relationship were laid by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The minister also referenced his visit to Paris last week, where he held bilateral talks with the French Minister of Culture to establish a roadmap for future cooperation. Addressing the tourism sector, Fathy noted that French tourist arrivals in Egypt rose by 31 per cent last year and have grown by 20 per cent so far this year. He added that the ministry aims to double these figures over the next three years through joint promotional efforts.
Chevallier stated that the library will become a core pillar of the museum’s academic programme and an international centre for knowledge exchange in Egyptology.
“France is proud of its contribution to its design and development, particularly through providing high-level expertise,” Chevallier said, adding that the project marks a new phase in a bilateral partnership in Egyptology and archaeology that spans over two centuries.
Ghoneim said the opening reflects the museum’s commitment to placing scientific research at the centre of its mission and providing an environment that meets international standards.
“Investing in research libraries is an investment in the future of culture itself,” Ghoneim said. He expressed hope that the facility will serve as a vibrant centre where Egyptian and international researchers can exchange ideas, make future discoveries, and build partnerships.
GEM Director of Scientific Research, Publication and Libraries Zeinab Mohamed noted that the facility is designed as a dynamic centre for knowledge exchange rather than just a reading space. She stated it is equipped with advanced technologies to host international training courses, workshops, and specialised seminars.
The inauguration was attended by former ministers, 25 Arab and foreign ambassadors, the chairman of the State Information Service, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, the chairman of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, the chairman of the Chamber of Tourism Establishments and Travel Agencies, GEM board members, archaeologists, public figures, and officials from the ministry and the French embassy.
