LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
ARTS & COLLECTIBLES
PHARAOH’S MODERN MARVEL
At its 10th anniversary, Prix Versailles
awarded the Grand Egyptian
Museum for seamlessly merging
ancient Egyptian heritage with
contemporary architectural brilliance.
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As Prix Versailles marks its 10th anniversary, it has once again set the stage for architectural magnificence by unveiling the World’s Most Beautiful Museums List for 2024. Among the celebrated venues is the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, a testament to the timeless beauty and innovation brought to life by Heneghan Peng Architects.
In the vast atrium of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the imposing figure of Pharaoh Ramses welcomes visitors into a journey through the annals of time. Unperturbed by the two decades it took to construct this modern-day palace—Heneghan Peng Architects having secured the project in 2003—Ramses stands as a sentinel over both past and future.
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The ancient Egyptians were masters of integrating the fourth dimension into their architectural designs, ensuring that the sun’s rays would always honor their divine king. Today, this timeless wisdom continues to shine, illuminating the entrance of the museum in a harmonious tribute to their celestial calculations.
Visitors are greeted by an unparalleled collection of ancient riches as they traverse the museum. Ascending the grand staircase to the top floor, they find themselves at the edge of the Giza Plateau, gazing upon the majestic pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. It is here, from this vantage point, that one can truly appreciate the profound historical continuity: “from the heights of these pyramids” – and within the walls of this museum – “40 centuries of history look down upon” them.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a bridge across millennia, connecting the grandeur of ancient Egypt with the aspirations of the modern world. As Prix Versailles celebrates its 10th year, it is fitting to honor such a landmark that epitomizes the fusion of historical reverence and contemporary architectural excellence.
In recognizing the Grand Egyptian Museum, Prix Versailles not only celebrates a decade of architectural achievement but also reaffirms its commitment to showcasing spaces that transcend mere functionality, embodying the spirit of human creativity and cultural legacy.