Podcast Summary – Más de uno (OndaCero)
Episode: La España Mágica: Egipto, los Secretos del nuevo Gran Museo Egipcio de El Cairo
Date: January 2, 2026
Host: Carlos Alsina
Guests: Fran Contreras, Sofía, Belén Gil
Episode Overview
This episode of "Más de uno" takes listeners on a journey to Egypt with Fran Contreras, a seasoned traveler and expert in cultural tours. The main focus is the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo – its significance, the treasures it houses, and the impact on tourism and cultural heritage. The discussion is lively, informative, and woven with personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and a touch of humor.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Fran Contreras: Traveler and Storyteller
- Fran shares his passion for travel, mentioning his recent completion of the 19th Camino de Santiago, which he documents in field notebooks (00:31–01:01).
- He sets the stage for his privileged experience: 9 hours exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum, which only recently opened after 20 years of planning and construction (01:30–02:13).
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): A Modern Marvel
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The museum is described as a “pharaonic work” emulating the grandeur of ancient Egypt:
- Located at the edge of the Giza plateau, built over an ancient course of the Nile (02:24).
- Designed with a pyramidal, triangular concept throughout its structure (02:24–02:52).
- Connected to the pyramids by a closed pedestrian bridge, earning the nickname "the fourth pyramid."
- Features a translucent alabaster façade, 800m long and 40m tall.
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Quote:
“Está orientado a las pirámides como si fuera una prolongación. Toda su estructura y su diseño está marcada por el triángulo y la forma piramidal...”
— Fran Contreras [02:24]
Significance for Egypt and Tourism
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Sofía (Travel Professional):
- Emphasizes the opening as "the event of the century," and says it's a new reason to visit Egypt beyond its ancient wonders (03:45–04:14).
- Quote:
“La inauguración del Gran Museo yo creo que es el evento del siglo... Por fin la civilización egipcia merecía un gran Museo.”
— Sofía [03:45]
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Belén Gil (Hola Cruceros):
- Stresses that the GEM positions Egypt on the global cultural stage, showing both its ability to preserve heritage and its modern ambition (04:48–06:16).
- Explains the museum is a “modern sanctuary” offering organized, comprehensive understanding of Egyptian civilization.
- Notes the dramatic upturn in tourism and special requests for Cairo visits, just to see the GEM.
Inside the Museum: Treasures and Secrets
- Houses more than 100,000 pieces; over 24,000 have never been exhibited until now.
- Significantly larger than the Louvre – "the largest museum dedicated to a single civilization anywhere" (04:16–04:48).
- Most tours only grant a brief visit, but Fran recommends at least a full day, preferably two (02:13).
Standout Exhibits
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Tutankhamun’s Treasures:
- All 5,398 artifacts (minus a few lost by Howard Carter) are gathered together for the first time in 100 years (06:41).
- Presented in chronological order, matching Carter's discovery chronology.
- Notable: now visitors can photograph and film the legendary mask and sarcophagus.
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Quote:
"Es la primera vez que están los 5,398 objetos... todos reunidos. Hacía 100 años que eso no sucedía.”
— Fran Contreras [06:41] -
Solar Boat of Khufu (Keops):
- A dedicated building displays the 43-meter cedarwood boat, assembled without a single nail (07:41).
- The discovery is explained on the ground floor; the boat itself is viewed on the upper walkway.
- Fran marvels at the Egyptians’ ancient craftsmanship, making a playful reference to modern furniture assembly.
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Other Highlights:
- Colossus of Ramesses II: Positioned so that, like at Abu Simbel, sunlight illuminates it dramatically on two days each year (08:13).
- Grand Staircase: 87 monumental works relating to Egyptian royalty, gods, temples, and notions of eternity.
- The entrance lobby features the Victory Column of Menta, narrating the Hyksos campaign.
Memorable Moment
- Fran’s playful secrecy:
- “Las más enigmáticas no te las voy a contar porque son parte de nuestros viajes de autor...”
— [06:41] - This adds an air of mystery, hinting at further secrets reserved for his tour groups.
- “Las más enigmáticas no te las voy a contar porque son parte de nuestros viajes de autor...”
The GEM’s Broader Impact
- Expected to increase Egypt’s annual tourism by more than 5 million visitors (10:32).
- Demonstrates Egypt’s modern capability to steward its ancient treasures (10:32–11:06).
- The old Egyptian Museum remains open, now tranquil and uncrowded for visitors interested in more unique artifacts (10:30–10:45).
Personal and Professional Announcements
- Fran is leading personalized tours to Egypt (next available group from April 17–24), focusing on the GEM and key sites in Cairo (09:45–10:00).
- Hints at the release of his new travel guide, teasing listeners to stay tuned for more details in February (11:16–11:50).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “El gran Museo es el evento del siglo... Egipto por fin merecía un museo así.”
— Sofía [03:45] - “Ahora están todos juntos y es un viaje en el tiempo... ahora se pueden fotografiar, puedes hacer vídeos y que está a media altura, puedes ver todos los detalles.”
— Fran Contreras (sobre la colección de Tutankamón) [06:41] - "La barca solar de Keops... formada por 2.224 piezas, sin ni un solo remache, sin ni un solo clavo.”
— Fran Contreras [07:41] - “El coloso de Ramses II... está orientado para que el 21 de febrero y el 21 de octubre sea protagonista del milagro de la luz, al igual que Abu Simbel.”
— Fran Contreras [08:13] - [Con humor, sobre los secretos del museo:] “Las más enigmáticas no te las voy a contar porque son parte de nuestros viajes de autor y hay mucha gente escuchando.”
— Fran Contreras [06:41]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:31 – Fran Contreras on his travels and field journals
- 01:30–02:13 – The anticipation and opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum
- 02:24–03:45 – Architectural design and symbolic messaging in GEM
- 03:45–04:14 – Sofía on the museum’s cultural significance
- 04:48–06:16 – Belén Gil explains tourism impact
- 06:41–08:13 – Fran explores top treasures in GEM: Tutankhamun’s collection, Khufu’s Solar Boat, Ramesses II colossus
- 08:13–09:42 – The Grand Staircase and curated thematic galleries
- 10:30–10:45 – Old Egyptian Museum’s renewed tranquility
- 11:16–11:50 – Pending release of Fran’s new guidebook
Final Thoughts
This episode delivers an inspiring, richly detailed account of Egypt’s newest cultural jewel – the Grand Egyptian Museum. With first-hand perspectives, expert commentary, and a passion for discovery, the conversation not only informs but ignites the desire to travel and experience the wonders of ancient and modern Egypt firsthand.
