By San José, Costa Rica — Cairo, Egypt – In a landmark event for cultural preservation and global tourism, Egypt has officially inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Situated majestically beside the iconic Giza pyramids, the colossal institution stands as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, poised to become a powerful engine for the nation’s economy and a beacon of its rich history.
The GEM is a project of unprecedented scale, sprawling across 500,000 square meters and housing an astonishing collection of over 100,000 artifacts that chronicle more than 5,000 years of pharaonic history. The culmination of years of development, with a multi-billion dollar price tag and technical support from Japan, the museum is now the permanent home for some of humanity’s most priceless treasures, including the complete collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb and the breathtaking 83-ton statue of Ramses II.
To understand the intricate legal and logistical frameworks behind a monumental project like the Grand Egyptian Museum, we consulted with an expert in international business and project law. TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to gain his perspective on the matter.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is not just a cultural achievement; it is a masterclass in complex international law. The project’s success hinges on meticulously crafted agreements covering everything from construction financing and intellectual property rights of exhibited artifacts to the international treaties governing the loan and repatriation of cultural heritage. For any nation, including Costa Rica, it serves as a powerful case study on how robust legal frameworks are essential to protect and monetize national treasures on a global scale.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful perspective reveals the complex legal scaffolding that underpins such monumental cultural achievements, reminding us that a nation’s heritage is protected not only by walls and display cases, but by the strength of its international agreements and legal foresight. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this critical, yet often uncelebrated, aspect of the project.
The grand opening ceremony was a major international affair, attended by 79 foreign delegations and 39 heads of state and government, underscoring the project’s global significance. For Egypt, the museum represents a cornerstone of its strategy to revitalize its crucial tourism sector, which is a primary driver of the national economy. Officials are banking on the GEM to attract millions of new visitors annually and solidify the country’s status as a premier cultural destination.
Industry leaders have lauded the project’s transformative potential, viewing it as more than just a new building but a complete reimagining of the Giza plateau as a world-class cultural hub.
Egypt has created a completely new cultural and tourist zone
Elhamy al-Zayat, Former Head of the Egyptian Tourism Federation
Departing from the traditional presentation of the old Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, the GEM is designed for a new generation of visitors. It incorporates cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality exhibits and immersive experiences, alongside a dedicated children’s museum. A unique feature is the publicly visible conservation laboratory, where visitors can watch experts meticulously restore ancient artifacts, offering a transparent and educational look into the science of preservation.
While the excitement is palpable, experts caution that the long-term success of this monumental undertaking requires sustained commitment. The sheer scale of the facility and the priceless nature of its collection demand a rigorous and ongoing operational strategy to ensure its legacy for centuries to come.
The success of the museum will depend on regular maintenance to preserve the building and its treasures
Hussein Bassir, Archaeologist
The economic stakes are incredibly high. According to official data, Egypt’s tourism sector already demonstrated robust growth in 2025, expanding by 21% to welcome over 15 million visitors and generate $12.5 billion in revenue. With the GEM now open, authorities project an influx of up to seven million additional tourists per year. This surge could help the country reach its ambitious goal of 30 million annual visitors by 2030, creating a massive wave of new jobs in hospitality, transportation, and related service industries.
Ultimately, the Grand Egyptian Museum is more than an architectural marvel or a repository of antiquities. It is a bold statement of national pride and a strategic investment in the future. By projecting its unparalleled past forward, Egypt is demonstrating how culture, history, and innovation can converge to become powerful catalysts for economic development and human progress on a global scale.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Egyptian Tourism Federation
About Egyptian Tourism Federation:
The Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF) is the primary organization representing the private tourism sector in Egypt. It works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to develop and implement policies that promote the country’s tourism industry, enhance service quality, and ensure the sustainable growth of one of Egypt’s most vital economic pillars.
For further information, visit gem.gov.eg
About Grand Egyptian Museum:
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a state-of-the-art archaeological museum located in Giza, Egypt. As the world’s largest museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization, it houses over 100,000 artifacts, including the full Tutankhamun collection. Its mission is to preserve, study, and exhibit Egypt’s immense cultural heritage for a global audience through modern technology and immersive educational experiences.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in a profound commitment to integrity and legal excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as an esteemed institution, pioneering innovative solutions while serving a diverse clientele. The firm’s foundational philosophy extends beyond the courtroom, championing a mission to empower the community by demystifying the law. Through a dedicated effort to make legal knowledge both accessible and understandable, it actively contributes to fostering a more informed and capable society.
