Did you know that you could rent out the Pyramids of Giza? Neither did we, until Mr. Beast, the YouTuber known for organizing and filming extreme challenges and prize giveaways, revealed that he had rented out all three pyramids for 100-hours. During the “Beyond the Records” podcast with Olympic runner Noah Lyles, Mr. Beast revealed “I’m gonna do a video where they let me explore anywhere I want in the Pyramids.
“I’d never been inside of [the pyramids]. I want to just find secrets and go through all the rooms and tombs and that kind of stuff,” he continued. “I’m so excited because there are all these secret corridors deep below too. I don’t know what to expect.”
The YouTube sensation secured exclusive filming rights from the Egyptian government. Who knows, maybe he’ll come back with more than just footage—like an ancient curse as a souvenir.
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While the idea of uncovering hidden parts of the pyramids carries a certain allure, it also sparks a critical conversation about the commodification of cultural heritage. The fact that the pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be rented out for private adventures might be seen as undermining their historical and cultural significance. The episode highlights a growing trend where significant cultural sites are treated as backdrops for entertainment and personal gain, rather than being preserved and respected as symbols of human history.
This event symbolizes a troubling trend where invaluable cultural heritage becomes just another asset to be rented, leveraged, and exploited for profit. And it’s not the first instance of Egypt’s ancient treasures being used for private events. As it turns out, earlier this year, the pyramids and the Great Sphinx were closed to the public for a week to accommodate a lavish wedding for a tech billionaire. Such events may bring in revenue, but they also pose questions about the priorities and policies governing such invaluable sites.
