On the evening of 1 November 2025, cultures met across continents. In Oulu, a city preparing for its year as European Capital of Culture 2026, residents gathered to share a unique moment of global heritage, the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, streamed live to northern Finland as part of Oulu’s Culture Companion Programme, a global event in every sense.
Egypt’s gift to the whole world
After two decades of construction, the GEM now stands as a monumental tribute to Egypt’s enduring legacy, home to more than 100,000 artefacts spanning five millennia. The opening ceremony, attended by scores of world leaders, monarchs and dignitaries from across the globe, underscored the museum’s significance as an international landmark.
Among its treasures, for the first time in history, the complete collection of over 5,000 items from Tutankhamun’s tomb is displayed together, offering visitors an unparalleled journey through ancient craftsmanship, belief, and artistry. The iconic golden mask of Tutankhamun (on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum) is widely regarded as one of the world’s most valuable artefacts in terms of both artistic mastery and cultural significance.
From screen to interaction
In Oulu, the event evolved far beyond a simple screening. It became a meeting point of cultures, languages, and generations. Families, art enthusiasts, and curious minds filled the room. Children coloured scarabs and pyramids, collaborated on “The Puzzle of Tutankhamun” to spot the missing piece, and shared laughter that echoed through Finnish, English, and Arabic conversations.
Meanwhile, the livestream transported the audience to Cairo, to the west bank of the Nile, where the museum rises in sight of the Pyramids. In ancient Egyptian belief, the west symbolised the land of eternity. Building the GEM there, opposite the setting sun, was both a tribute to the afterlife and a promise of continuity — a bridge between past and present, life and legacy.
A special segment told the heart-warming story of the young Egyptian boy who, in 1922, stumbled upon the steps to Tutankhamun’s tomb while fetching water for the workers — a simple act of curiosity that led to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in human history.
To keep the evening interactive, participants joined a “General Knowledge Challenge” under the theme “Let the knowledge flow like the Nile”. Winners received modern, hand-painted authentic papyrus souvenirs, each a small piece of Egypt brought to Finland’s far north — a tangible symbol of friendship between cultures.
Oulu 2026: Culture Reaching Beyond Borders
As the night drew to a close, Oulu glowed with the warmth of connection. The event reflected the very essence of Oulu 2026 — promoting creativity, and global dialogue through culture. It was an evening of many faces but one light, when Egypt’s ancient spirit reached the Arctic Circle, reminding us that peace and culture remain the truest monuments of civilisation, reflecting one of the ceremony’s most memorable messages: “Our peace today … is our civilisation tomorrow.”
Missed the live show? You can still join the experience:
- The Grand Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum | A Journey Through Egypt’s Eternal Legacy
- Tour Grand Egyptian Museum with Participating Delegations
- Practice your knowledge here
Captured from the speech of the President of Egypt during the evening:
“Ancient Egypt inspired the whole people of Earth. From the Nile banks, the lights of wisdom were raised radiating the path of human civilisation and progress, announcing that the edifice of civilisation is built in times of peace and is disseminated by the spirit of collaboration among populations.”
Attendance thoughts about the event:
Jobert:
“The event was awesome, it gave me a new window to the Egypt that I read from the books, and it definitely had me add Cairo onto my travel bucket list. The speech by the president, stressing the importance of peace and collaboration as the cornerstones for prosperity, was very inspiring.”
Ingriddy:
“I never imagined I would have the chance to attend the opening event of the Egyptian Museum in Oulu, and it was such a pleasant surprise. The event was very well prepared and being able to celebrate art and history is always meaningful, especially alongside people who are proud of their culture and eager to share it with other.”
Júnio:
“Attending the opening event of such an important institution as the Grand Egyptian Museum was an extraordinary and unexpected experience. It offered a meaningful opportunity to deepen my understanding of the history and grandeur of Egyptian civilization. Additionally, it was truly inspiring to witness people recognizing the value of preserving and honouring their cultural heritage.”
Toni:
“The event was amazing and wonderfully family-friendly — children were running around and laughing, and the event made me feel truly welcome. The fun quiz offered a chance to learn a bit of history. All in all, a great and relaxed event!”
