Pharaoh Ramses II Statue's Epic Journey to the Grand Egyptian Museum

The Colossal Statue of Ramses II

• 🗿 This iconic, 3,200-year-old colossal statue of Pharaoh Ramses II stands at the entrance of the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
• 📏 Standing 36 feet tall and weighing approximately 91 US tons, the statue is a significant monument.

Discovery and Restoration

• 🔍 The statue was discovered in the ancient city of Memphis in 1802.
• 🧩 It was later restored from pieces to its full height.
• 🏛️ For decades, it was a prominent feature in Cairo's central Ramses Square before its relocation.

The Monumental Move

• 🚧 Moving the massive statue was a complex operation, with some consultants deeming it impossible.
• 🔬 An experiment using a model of the same weight and height proved the feasibility of the move.
• 🚚 In 2006, the actual transportation took place from Ramses Square to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.
• ⏱️ The journey, which took about 10 hours, was carefully managed with a specially designed cart to absorb vibrations and protective foam padding.
• ✅ The operation was ultimately successful, with the monument being installed in 2018.

Grand Egyptian Museum Opening

• 🗓️ The Grand Egyptian Museum, under construction for over 20 years, officially opens on November 1st.
• ⏳ Its opening was delayed multiple times due to cost overruns and political instability.