Róisín Heneghan’s journey took a remarkable turn 22 years ago when her small architecture firm was selected to design the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. Initially believing it to be a prank, Heneghan sought confirmation after receiving the life-changing phone call. “It was unreal,” she reflected in a recent interview from Dublin, Ireland, where she co-runs Heneghan Peng Architects with her husband, Shih-Fu Peng.
The museum project began in 2002 with an international design competition launched by the Egyptian government, aiming to create a sizable complex to showcase 100,000 ancient artifacts near the Pyramids of Giza. Against the odds, their design was chosen from 1,556 submissions, marking a pivotal moment for the little-known Irish firm. However, it would take over two decades, with costs soaring beyond $1 billion, for their vision to come to life.
On Saturday, the Grand Egyptian Museum opened its doors, a highly anticipated event that prompted the Egyptian government to declare a public holiday. The project weathered numerous challenges, including political upheaval during Egypt’s Arab Spring and setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing the resilient spirit behind the complex.
Described as a “testament to the longevity and scale of ancient Egyptian civilization,” the museum has morphed through the years, leading Heneghan to admit that some changes were necessary during construction—a standard occurrence for projects of this magnitude. Although she wasn’t involved in the day-to-day supervision during construction, the architect emphasized the importance of thoroughness: “If it takes a little longer and do it properly, I think it’s worthwhile.”
The museum houses an impressive collection of fragile artifacts, including ancient papyrus scrolls, textiles, sarcophagi, pottery, and mummified remains, distributed throughout more than 258,000 square feet of permanent exhibition space. It stands as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, organized by historical periods from the predynastic era to the Coptic period, with a dedicated gallery for Tutankhamun showcasing 5,000 items.
The museum’s design incorporates lush gardens, open plazas, and an impressive atrium featuring a 36-foot-tall statue of Ramesses II. Employing natural light was a deliberate choice by Heneghan, who believes that it enhances the visitor experience, particularly in a space intended to foster appreciation for ancient artifacts.
Positioned in view of the iconic Pyramids of Giza, Heneghan and Peng’s design pays tribute to its surroundings. The architectural choices reflect visual deference to the neighboring wonders, with the building’s roof geometrically aligned with the Great Pyramid’s pinnacle, ensuring it does not overshadow its historic counterpart.
Despite the lofty expectations and challenges associated with such a monumental task, the success of the Grand Egyptian Museum has opened new opportunities for Heneghan and Peng. Their firm has since expanded, taking on a range of projects including significant cultural landmarks across various regions.
Reflecting on her journey, Heneghan notes that if she were to start the design anew, her core vision would remain largely unchanged. “The underlying structure of the project is very strong,” she affirmed, underscoring the timelessness of their approach. As the Grand Egyptian Museum welcomes visitors from around the globe, it stands as a lasting legacy not only of ancient Egypt but also of architectural perseverance and dedication to cultural heritage.