SecurOS® Safeguards 2-Kilometer Walkway Between Museum and Giza Pyramids Complex
Earlier this month, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) officially opened its doors, with world leaders and other dignitaries coming together to celebrate this milestone in culture and history. Situated on the Giza Plateau, the museum spans an incredible 500,000 square meters — making it larger than the Louvre. Inside, it houses over 100,000 priceless artifacts, including, for the first time ever, the complete collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
A key feature of this landmark project is the two-kilometer pedestrian walkway connecting the new museum to the ancient Giza Pyramids Complex. To protect this vital link and ensure the safety of visitors, the museum required a state-of-the-art video solution that could not only help them manage the network of cameras watching over the walkway but also provide advanced analytics in the process. SecurOS®, the renowned video intelligence platform from ISS, was ultimately selected by museum officials to safeguard the path between these ancient wonders and this modern architectural marvel.
The Challenge: Protecting a Landmark in an Open Space
Connecting two of the world’s most significant cultural sites presented a unique set of security challenges. The walkway is a large, open space with multiple access points, making traditional surveillance methods difficult. The primary goal was to protect visitors from any potential threats and prevent unauthorized access without disrupting the visitor experience.
The museum’s security team needed a scalable and intelligent surveillance system that could provide comprehensive coverage and integrate seamlessly with the main museum’s existing video management system (VMS). The solution had to be powerful enough to monitor a vast area in real-time while being discreet enough to preserve the site’s cultural and historical atmosphere.
The Solution: AI-Powered Video Intelligence
To meet these complex needs, the museum deployed SecurOS® to enhance safety, security awareness, and operational efficiency across the entire length of the walkway. The implementation was done in close collaboration with the museum’s own security engineering team, ensuring every detail was tailored to their specific requirements.
Our approach included several key phases:
- Site Survey and Risk Analysis: We began with a thorough analysis of the walkway to identify potential vulnerabilities and security risks.
- System Design: We designed a network and camera layout for optimal coverage, ensuring no blind spots and building in redundancy for maximum reliability.
- Operator Training: We conducted comprehensive training and a full handover to the GEM’s security and operations teams, empowering them to manage the system effectively.
SecurOS® Enterprise: Centralized and Scalable Management
At the core of the solution is SecurOS® Enterprise, our robust video management system. It provides centralized management for the cameras installed along the walkway. This allows the museum’s security personnel to have a unified view of the entire area from their central control room. Key features include real-time streaming, continuous recording, and automated event alerts, all supported by redundant servers to ensure uninterrupted operation.
SecurOS® FaceX: Advanced Facial Recognition
To provide the highest level of security, we also deployed our AI-powered facial recognition module, SecurOS® FaceX. Installed at the entrance and exit points of the walkway, FaceX helps identify persons of interest and enhances access control, ensuring that only authorized individuals are on the walkway and providing immediate alerts for any potential security concerns.
A Partnership for Cultural Preservation
This successful implementation is the result of a strong partnership between ISS and the GEM project team. The museum’s Project Security Director noted the value of this collaboration, stating, “ISS has been an exceptional partner for the supply of comprehensive security solutions at the Grand Museum of Egypt. Their expertise in delivering integrated security systems has achieved the right balance between visitor safety, operational efficiency, and cultural preservation.”
As visitors from around the world flock to see the wonders of ancient Egypt, they can walk the historic path to the Giza Pyramids with confidence. We are proud that our technology plays a crucial role in securing this iconic location, allowing visitors to experience the magic of Egypt’s history safely and securely.
