Egypt museum restores ancient boat as visitors watch
## Exhibition Update: Grand Egyptian Museum
Exhibition Update: Grand Egyptian Museum
A cedarwood boat belonging to Egyptian Pharaoh King Khufu is currently being assembled in real time at the Grand Egyptian Museum's exhibition hall. This project commenced on Tue, Oct 3, 2023, and is part of a significant restoration effort.
The boat is 42 meters (137 feet) in length. It comprises 1,650 wooden pieces. The restoration process is estimated to take approximately four years.
The vessel is displayed adjacent to its already-assembled twin, which has been on display at the museum. King Khufu, who ruled over 4,500 years ago, is also known for constructing the Great Pyramid of Giza.
A cedarwood boat belonging to Egyptian Pharaoh King Khufu is currently being assembled in real time at the Grand Egyptian Museum's exhibition hall.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), inaugurated recently, is noted as the world's largest museum. It houses nearly 50,000 artifacts, including items from the tomb of King Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922. The museum's strategic location near the pyramids on Cairo's outskirts is anticipated to enhance Egypt's tourism revenues.
The boat was originally discovered in 1954 on the southern side of the Great Pyramid. Excavation of its wooden components began in 2014. While the exact purpose of the boats is not definitively known, it is speculated by experts to have been used in King Khufu's funeral or for his journey in the afterlife with the sun god Ra.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
