Controversy Erupts Over Makeup Incident at Grand Egyptian Museum

A viral video has ignited considerable debate after it depicted a group of girls attempting to apply makeup to pharaonic statues at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Many observers have criticized the act as "inappropriate" and detrimental to the integrity of these historical artifacts.

The footage showed the girls using makeup tools on the statues, prompting social media users to label the act a violation of Egyptian heritage and an affront to the pharaonic civilization, which draws visitors globally.

Official Responses and Expert Opinions

Dr. Ahmed Amer, an archaeological expert, stated that applying makeup to artifacts is legally impermissible and constitutes an offense under the Antiquities Protection Law No. 117 of 1983.

Abdel Rahim Al-Rihan, a member of the History and Antiquities Committee of the Supreme Council of Culture, announced that the museum is developing a new code of conduct for visitors. This code will prohibit touching the statues or display cases, bringing food and drinks, taking photographs, and sitting on archaeological bases or adopting inappropriate poses.

According to Article 45 of the law, individuals who damage artifacts or apply substances to them could face imprisonment for at least one year and fines reaching up to half a million Egyptian pounds.

The Largest Museum in the World

The Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses around 105,000 artifacts, is recognized as the largest museum globally. Experts anticipate it will secure a spot in the Guinness World Records shortly after its opening. The museum plans to display approximately 100,000 pieces, in contrast to the Louvre Museum in France, which holds 380,000 artifacts, with only 38,000 on public display.