Egypt delays opening of grand museum
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the opening, which was originally scheduled for July 3, would be postponed until the last quarter of this year. The state-run newspaper Al-Ahram quoted Madbouly as saying the postponement of the event aims to provide an 'appropriate atmosphere' for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and the new date would be set soon.
GEM, deemed the world's largest museum of the ancient Egyptian civilization, showcases thousands of artefacts, including the full legendary collection of Tutankhamun featuring the king boy's iconic mask. Despite the delay, GEM will remain open to visitors as part of its ongoing soft opening, Al-Ahram Online reported. (DPA)
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