BESIX delivers the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Designed by Henegan Peng Architects, the museum situated at a stone’s throw from the Giza Plateau, is perfectly aligned with the three pyramids and the heart of Cairo. This alignment posed extraordinary challenges: the building is composed almost entirely of triangles – an architectural homage to Egypt’s ancient heritage - and with nearly no right angles.

Commissioned by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the project was delivered by BESIX, in joint venture with Orascom Construction. The BESIX-Orascom Construction JV was responsible for the full scope of construction, including structural works, finishing, advanced MEP and ICT systems, fit-out and secure environments for artefact preservation.

The structure spans 490,000 m² and houses almost 20,000 artefacts, including the complete collection from King Tutankhamun’s tomb; many of which are being displayed together for the first time since their discovery in 1922.

The museum’s construction spanned more than 10 years, overcoming challenges from financial crises to a global pandemic. It required over 120 million man-hours, coordinated through advanced BIM modelling and the collaboration of more than 300 partners and suppliers. Engineering highlights include 25-metre-high ceilings, 20-metre cantilevers, and a double-glazed façade with prestressed vertical cables - a first in Africa.

One of the most delicate operations was the relocation of the 4,500-year-old King Khufu Solar Boat. BESIX orchestrated its transport from the Giza site to a dedicated building within the museum, using a custom-built steel cage and remote-controlled convoy to navigate the narrow archaeological terrain.

Beyond the core structure, BESIX also delivered exhibition galleries, a conference centre, a 3D experience, a library, workshops, and educational facilities. Thanks to phased delivery, curators began installing artefacts in 2021, ahead of the museum’s full opening announced for November 2025.

Since 2024, the museum’s first galleries have been opened to the public, featuring the Statue of Ramses II at the entrance, the world’s first suspended obelisk in the courtyard, as well as outdoor gardens, restaurants, and the conference centre.

The Grand Egyptian Museum joins a prestigious portfolio of landmark projects delivered by BESIX. In Abu Dhabi, the Group is currently realising the Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a future icon of contemporary art by Frank Gehry. These projects showcase BESIX’s expertise in executing complex, high-profile structures with precision and innovation.

The Grand Egyptian Museum has already received multiple prestigious awards, including the Prix Versailles award in the category of “The World's Most Beautiful Museums”, the Autodesk Excellence Award, the Digital Construction Award, the Highly Commended Award at the FIDIC Contract Users’ Awards and the BIG 5 Egypt Impact Award, recognising its innovation, digital excellence, and cultural impact.

“At BESIX, we are committed to delivering buildings designed to last, both structurally and sustainably. This museum reflects that promise. Beyond shaping iconic landmarks, we are proud to contribute to one of the world’s most important cultural institutions, creating spaces that inspire communities and transmit Egypt’s rich cultural heritage,” highlights Pierre Sironval.