The story behind the Grand Egyptian Museum
The foundations of the Grand Egyptian Museum project were laid in the 1990s. In 2002, an international design competition for the museum was announced, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place that year, about two kilometers from the pyramids. The competition concluded in 2003, and Heneghan Peng Architects, an Irish-based firm, was awarded the contract to develop their modern concept. The museum’s opening was postponed several times, and the initial target dates of 2018 and 2019 were not met. Even the planned official opening for summer 2025 was pushed back to November. Finally, with a cost exceeding one billion U.S. dollars, the official opening ceremony for this monumental cultural project took place on November 1, 2025, with a grand event. The museum opened its doors to the public a few days later, on November 4, 2025. In this way, GEM, whose concept first emerged over twenty years earlier, was finally realized in late 2025 after numerous delays.
The collections and artifacts exhibited at the Grand Egyptian Museum
The museum’s collection features over 100,000 artifacts. About half are on permanent display, while the rest are part of rotating exhibitions or stored in archives. With this size, GEM claims the title of the world’s largest museum dedicated to the heritage of a single civilization. The collection spans a broad timeline, from prehistoric times to the dynastic eras of ancient Egypt and the later Greco-Roman period. The most valuable pieces are, without question, the treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, nearly 5,000 artifacts from the young pharaoh’s tomb in Luxor are being presented to visitors for the first time in their entirety, using modern exhibition techniques. Iconic items such as his golden mask, golden throne, and gold-plated sarcophagus are among the most striking features of the new museum. The Tutankhamun gallery displays all of the child pharaoh’s unique objects, from his funerary mask to his chariots, in a chronological and thematic arrangement that provides a comprehensive view of his era and its beliefs. Another remarkable section is the expansive Main Hall at the museum’s entrance. Here stands the approximately eleven-meter statue of Ramses II, a famous piece previously displayed in Ramses Square in central Cairo, and now greets visitors at the entrance of the new museum. The colossal statue of Ramses has become a key symbol of the museum, highlighting the grandeur of ancient Egypt in a modern setting. The museum complex also displays solar boats believed to have been used by pharaohs on their journey to the afterlife. Two solar boats made of cedar wood, approximately 4,600 years old and belonging to Pharaoh Khufu, are displayed in a dedicated section. These boats were discovered in pits beside the Giza Pyramid, and the first one was transferred to GEM in 2021 from the former museum. Both boats are now exhibited together under one roof at GEM. In addition to all this, countless statues, sarcophagi, hieroglyphic stelae, everyday objects, and jewelry from ancient Egypt are displayed in modern showcases accompanied by detailed explanations and multimedia presentations for visitors.
The architecture and design of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The stunning architectural design of the Grand Egyptian Museum was developed by Heneghan Peng Architects, the firm that won the 2003 competition held under UNESCO supervision. The design combines modern lines with references that honor the ancient surroundings. Located on a vast site of about 500,000 square meters on the edge of the Giza Plateau, the building was designed to follow the natural slope of the land, resulting in a low-lying silhouette that defers to the pyramids on the horizon. The translucent alabaster stone used on the exterior, along with the large triangular geometric panels, incorporates local materials into the design while also serving as a modern homage to the nearby pyramids’ triangular form. This facade filters daylight to bring in natural light, and at night, the building glows from within, making the museum shine like a monument even from afar. One of the most striking architectural features is the main hall of the six-story Great Staircase, which follows the entrance. Skylights above this atrium allow natural light to flood in, creating a bright, open atmosphere. The staircase, which ascends from the ground level to the upper gallery floors, forms a grand passageway lined with ancient statues. As visitors move upward, the large glass walls offer views of the Giza Pyramids outside. By incorporating the landscape into the interior in this way, the architecture fosters an enchanting experience where the ancient and modern worlds meet. The museum impresses not only with its aesthetic appeal but also with its practical design. Spanning 81,000 square meters of exhibit space, GEM ranks among the largest museum buildings worldwide. Inside this expansive structure are not just galleries but also restoration labs, archives, conference rooms, and education centers. Sustainability has been a key focus in the project’s construction. The design features rooftop solar panels, rainwater-harvesting systems, and natural ventilation. Durable local stones, like granite and marble, were selected for the building materials, enabling GEM to earn environmentally friendly certifications as the first green museum in Africa and the Middle East. With its modern infrastructure and climate-control systems, the museum provides ideal conditions for preserving priceless artifacts.
Visitor information for the Grand Egyptian Museum
Visiting hours:
The museum is open to visitors every day of the week. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, the museum complex operates from 08:30 to 19:00, while the exhibition galleries are open from 09:00 to 18:00. On Wednesday and Saturday, extended visiting hours apply. On these days, the complex remains open until 22:00 and the galleries until 21:00. The ticket office closes one hour before the museum, at 17:00 on regular days and at 20:00 on Wednesday and Saturday.
Ticket prices:
Foreign visitors: 1,700 EGP for adults, 850 EGP for students and children.
Foreign residents in Egypt: 850 EGP for adults, 425 EGP for students and children.
Egyptian citizens: 350 EGP for adults, 175 EGP for students and children.
Admission is free for children under six years old.
It is recommended that tickets be purchased only through the museum’s official ticket portal. Due to high demand during the initial opening period, the museum has adopted a timed-entry system. When purchasing a ticket, you must select a specific time slot. Starting December 2025, all tickets must be obtained through advance online reservation. This system helps prevent overcrowding and ensures a high-quality visitor experience.
Location:
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located next to the Giza Pyramid Necropolis, about two kilometers from the pyramids. It is roughly 20 kilometers from Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, and depending on traffic, it takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to reach the museum by car from the city center. The most convenient transportation options are taxis or online ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem. Since the museum has its own parking facilities, visitors arriving by private vehicle can easily find a parking spot. Public transportation options are also being developed. Sphinx International Airport (SPX), serving the GEM area, opened in the early 2020s and is about forty minutes from the museum. This airport is especially convenient for travelers arriving on direct flights to the Giza region. Additionally, Line 4 of the Cairo Metro is under construction, with one station planned to serve the area near the museum. Once completed, this station will provide direct rail access to GEM from the city center.
What to eat at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The Grand Egyptian Museum offers visitors not only stunning ancient collections but also a variety of food and beverage options. The cafes and restaurants situated in the atrium area and its surroundings include the following:
Zooba: A vibrant place that offers Egyptian street food with a modern twist. Classic flavors like falafel, koshari, and fiteer stand out.
30 North: This venue introduces third-wave coffee culture to the museum, offering globally sourced coffee beans and sweet snacks for a refreshing coffee break.
Beano’s Cafe: A cozy spot for hot drinks and light bites, accented with Egyptian decorative touches.
Laduree: The famous French patisserie brings Parisian elegance to Giza with its macarons and croissants.
Dolato: A refreshing spot serving Italian-style handmade gelato.
Mandarine Koueider: A legendary spot for traditional Egyptian desserts like basbousa and konafa.
Ratios Bakery: Ideal for those who like to start the day quickly with artisan baked goods such as fresh croissants, quiches and lemon tarts.
Bitter Sweet: A practical and delicious choice at any time, offering a wide menu from sweet to savory.
Premium Mart: Offers familiar flavors and fast shopping options.
The upcoming The Pyramids Restaurant and The Temple Restaurant offer a fine dining experience with views of the pyramids, making them top culinary highlights. These food and beverage venues provide convenient spots to take a break while exploring such a vast museum.
Key experiences at the Grand Egyptian Museum and its sections
GEM combines traditional museum practices with modern technology to provide visitors with a variety of experiences. The Tutankhamun Gallery, in particular, allows visitors to explore the young pharaoh’s life, death, and beliefs about the afterlife in an interactive setting. Designed by the German design studio Atelier Brückner, this gallery displays the entire Tutankhamun collection in a chronological narrative across 7,500 square meters. More than half of the over 5,600 artifacts on show have never been exhibited before, attracting significant interest. The Great Staircase in the museum’s main entrance hall leads visitors to the upper-floor galleries, with its monumental structure lined with giant statues. The atrium surrounding the staircase is an experience on its own. Thanks to the high ceilings of the entrance hall and the floor-to-ceiling glass facade, visitors can see the Giza Pyramids rising outside as soon as they enter. This expansive staircase area, surrounded by ancient sculptures, sets an impressive tone that prepares visitors for the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Another innovative aspect of the museum is its use of digital and interactive displays. Many rooms feature touch screens, projections, and even VR stations, giving visitors access to much richer information about the artifacts and historical periods. For instance, with VR technology, visitors can explore an ancient Egyptian temple or Tutankhamun’s burial chamber in a virtual environment. These interactive features make the museum more engaging for younger visitors while also enhancing the overall learning experience. For families, the Children’s Museum is another popular attraction. This section offers enjoyable workshops and interactive activities for children aged six to twelve. While children learn about ancient Egypt through play and discovery, parents can accompany them throughout the experience.
After all the postponements during its launch, GEM’s full-capacity opening in 2025 had a significant impact both within Egypt and internationally. Located right beside the Giza Plateau, this major cultural complex brings ancient heritage together with contemporary museum practices, offering visitors a comprehensive opportunity for discovery. The strong interest is expected to further boost tourism in the coming years and increase the region’s cultural appeal. With its rich history and modern approach, the Grand Egyptian Museum stands out as a powerful center that enhances the Egyptian museum experience. If you wish to explore this entirely new museum, start by booking a flight to Cairo and browsing our Egyptian pyramids article.
Keep in mind:
-Turkish citizens with ordinary passports arriving at Sphinx International Airport must obtain a visa on arrival, so carrying cash that you can easily exchange will make the process smoother.
-Although eSIM options are widely used and fast in Europe, they are not yet common in Egypt. Purchasing a local SIM card will make your trip more convenient.
