On Saturday, 1 November 2025, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Czech Republic, His Excellency Mahmoud Afifi, hosted a distinguished reception at the Alchymist Grand Hotel in the Prague Hall. The guest list included members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Egypt, and representatives from cultural, academic, and business circles. Among the distinguished guests was former Czech President Václav Klaus, whose presence added to the evening’s prestige. The occasion marked the official live-streamed opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo—an event of global importance that symbolised both Egypt’s ancient splendour and its modern vision for cultural diplomacy.

Reception and Programme

The evening began in an atmosphere of elegance and anticipation. After a welcoming cocktail reception, guests were invited to attend a presentation by Professor Miroslav Bárta entitled “GEM – A Milestone in the World of Museums.” The renowned Egyptologist outlined the magnitude of the project, from its ambitious architecture to its role in redefining how ancient heritage is presented to modern audiences.

An introductory short film about the Grand Egyptian Museum was also screened, offering guests a fascinating visual journey through its design, construction, and cultural mission. The film vividly showcased the museum’s location near the pyramids of Giza and highlighted its mission to connect the ancient past with the modern world.

Guests then enjoyed a lively cultural programme featuring Pharaonic-style dances by the Mata Hari Group, whose graceful movements and traditional costumes evoked the mystique of ancient Egypt.

The highlight of the evening was the live stream of the official opening ceremony in Cairo, presided over by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and attended by numerous world leaders, ministers, and distinguished guests. The broadcast featured spectacular artistic performances held both in front of the Grand Egyptian Museum and around the Giza Pyramids, blending light, music, and dance in a celebration that linked past and present.

The Grand Egyptian Museum – A Cultural Marvel

Located just two kilometres from the Giza Pyramid Complex, the Grand Egyptian Museum stands as the largest archaeological museum in the world and the most comprehensive dedicated to a single civilisation. Designed by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum occupies more than 480,000 square metres and is strategically positioned between Cairo and the ancient wonders of Giza.

The museum’s collection exceeds 100,000 artefacts, spanning the entirety of Egypt’s ancient history—from the Predynastic Period to the Greco-Roman era. Among its highlights are the colossal 11-metre, 83-ton statue of Ramesses II, now displayed in the grand atrium, and the complete Tutankhamun collection, comprising over 5,000 treasures exhibited together for the first time.

What sets the new museum apart is its modern museology—state-of-the-art conservation facilities, advanced multimedia exhibits, and thematic galleries that guide visitors chronologically through Egypt’s long civilisation. By contrast, the old Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, though historic, had become overcrowded and limited in scope. The Grand Egyptian Museum now provides the scale, technology, and architectural vision to present Egypt’s heritage in the manner it deserves—illuminated by natural light and framed by the desert’s timeless horizon.

Significance of the Prague Reception

By hosting this simultaneous celebration, the Embassy of Egypt in Prague demonstrated how cultural diplomacy transcends borders. Ambassador Afifi, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted Egypt’s pride in sharing this monumental achievement with the world. Professor Bárta’s scholarly insight, the screening of the museum’s introductory film, and the artistic programme together created a multifaceted evening that united academics, diplomats, and art enthusiasts alike.

The reception concluded with a networking segment where guests discussed Egypt’s growing role as a global cultural hub and its strong bilateral ties with the Czech Republic—fostered through archaeology, tourism, and education.

A Landmark for Humanity

The Grand Egyptian Museum is not merely a building but a gateway to one of humanity’s greatest stories. Its proximity to the pyramids, its vast scale, and its commitment to innovation make it one of the most important cultural institutions of the 21st century.

As Egypt welcomes the world to explore this new monument of knowledge and preservation, the reception in Prague served as a reminder that history belongs to everyone—and that Egypt continues to inspire curiosity, respect, and wonder across continents.