Impossible you’ve missed it! On 1st November, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened its doors for the public. As it’s one of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks and a true feat of engineering, the opening was a big moment. BESIX played a key role in making this dream a reality, together with Orascom Construction.
The museum's opening received extensive media coverage, including by RTBF, the public broadcaster of French-speaking Belgium. In a recent episode of RTBF’s programme C’est du Belge, journalist Frédéric Deborsu travelled to Egypt to meet our colleague Joris De Kinder.
Together, they explored one of the most remarkable achievements of BESIX’s teams during the construction of the GEM: the relocation of the Khufu Solar Boat, a 4,500-year-old wooden ship. Measuring 44 metres in length, BESIX and Orascom carefully transported this priceless artefact over 8.5 kilometres from its original museum near the Giza Pyramids to a dedicated building in the GEM, using a self-propelled modular transporter. This extraction, transport and installation in the new building was an extremely delicate operation that required exceptional engineering expertise and meticulous planning. Well-worth a highlight in the reportage!
The video also features the visit of His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium to the GEM, accompanied by our colleagues David De Visscher and Hans Beerlandt, as well as Baron Philippe Vlerick, Chairman of the Board of Directors of our Group. It’s a proud moment that underscores BESIX’s international reputation and the strength of Belgian expertise abroad.
Before meeting BESIX teams, the programme introduces another Belgian company, Dirty Monitor, which created the spectacular video animation show for the official opening ceremony. Want to skip this part? BESIX’s work is showcased from 04:50. Enjoy!
Watch the episode of C’est du Belge and discover the fabulous stories behind the museum: