The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Al Ahram Weekly (Nevine El-Aref)

The scene as one steps into the 33-feddan site of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) overlooking Ain Al-Sira Lake in the heart of Egypt's first Islamic Capital, Al-Fustat, is totally different from how it was only a year ago.

The NMEC's main building is nearing completion along with its galleries, corridors and various exhibition sections. Despite still showing some concrete underlay, the floors and staircases are encased in gray marble and the lighting and security systems are all installed.

To check on the progress of the latest construction and organising the work phases at the NMEC, the culture minister, Farouk Hosni, the project supervisor Farouk Abdel-Salam and Mohamed Abu Seiada, head of the Cultural Development Fund, embarked last Tuesday on a tour of the museum's various sections.