STORY: Grand Egyptian Museum starts trial operation of 12 main galleries
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 15, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:18
LOCATION: Cairo
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE (English): DONG XIUZHU, Xinhua correspondent
2. various of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

STORYLINE:

SOUNDBITE (English): DONG XIUZHU, Xinhua correspondent
"Today (Wednesday) is an exciting day for the world's museum-goers, as the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, begins its (partial) trial run.
According to the museum, the GEM complex now is offering limited tours to test site readiness and visitor experience ahead of the official opening.
Access is currently limited to the Grand Hall, the Grand Staircase, 12 galleries, commercial area, and exterior gardens. All other interior spaces are currently restricted until the official opening.
Last week, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said this will mark the first trial run of the museum's main hall and a gradual launch of some other sections in preparation for the grand official opening of this project. He said, "The museum is set to be Egypt's gift to the whole world."
Located just two kilometers from the Pyramids of Giza and overlooking the Giza Plateau, the GEM complex occupies a total area of some 500,000 square meters.
Upon its official inauguration, the museum will be the world's largest museum for a single civilization."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo.
(XHTV)