THE MINISTRY of Antiquities moved another batch of artefacts from the Tutankhamun collection to their new home at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on Sunday, writes Nevine El-Aref. Mummified dates, grains, model boats and a plaster covered chair from Tutankhamun's funerary collection were among the items transported. The objects were subjected to essential restoration work by the First Aid Restoration Team prior to the move and will undergo further restoration at the GEM. A soft opening of the new museum is scheduled for April 2018 when two areas will be opened to the public, a 700-square-metre gallery displaying items associated with Tutankhamun and the grand staircase hall, a display area for monumental works, including the colossus of Ramses II which was moved from Ramses Square to the GEM in 2006.