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Quick Information

ADDRESS

X4VF+V38, Cairo - Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3513204, Egypt

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5 hours

Timings

08:00–22:00

TICKETS

From $35

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

2

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The Grand Egyptian Museum spans 500,000 square meters—roughly the size of 70 soccer fields—making it the largest archaeological museum in the world.

GEM’s entire King Tutankhamun collection, over 5,000 artifacts, will be displayed together for the first time since the tomb’s discovery in 1922.

The museum’s entrance features the world’s first suspended obelisk, allowing visitors to view the pharaoh’s cartouche from below through a glass floor.

What to see at the Grand Egyptian Museum

Here are GEM's main galleries, highlights, and sections that you won’t want to miss:

Statue of Ramses II in the Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt.

The Grand Atrium & colossal statues

Enter through a vast space ruled by the monumental 83-ton statue of Ramses II. Surrounded by the grand staircase lined with statues and sarcophagi, the atrium sets the tone for the drama and scale of what you’re about to explore.

Golden mask of Tutankhamun, Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

Tutankhamun treasures gallery

One of GEM’s most famous draws: every piece from King Tut’s tomb, more than 5,000 items, many of which have never been displayed together. Gold, jewelry, chariots, funerary objects—all in immersive lighting that heightens their mystery.

Ancient Egyptian statues and artefacts displayed in the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Chronological & thematic exhibition halls

The museum presents history through themed rows and chronological order: pre-dynastic beginnings; Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms; Greco-Roman period. Themes like society, kingship, and beliefs thread through.

Visitors seated, watching an interactive digital exhibition with ancient Egyptian themes.

Conservation center & interactive spaces

Behind the scenes, GEM houses advanced laboratories restoring and preserving ancient artifacts. Interactive exhibits and immersive displays help bring stories of daily life, religion, trade, and environment alive.

Grand Egyptian Museum exterior with modern architectural design.

Views & context: Pyramid panorama

One of the most moving parts: large windows offer sweeping views of the Pyramids of Giza, connecting the museum's contents visually with their original landscape. You don’t just learn; you see how ancient and modern Egypt overlap.

Highlights of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza

Grand Egyptian Museum interior with ancient statues and visitors in Cairo.

Colossal Ramses II statue

An 83-ton granite statue dominating the atrium, welcoming visitors with the scale and power of Egypt’s greatest pharaoh.

Golden sarcophagi in the Burial Chamber of Tutankhamun, Egypt.
Ancient Egyptian solar boat displayed in the Giza Solar Boat Museum, Egypt.
Grand Egyptian Museum interior with ancient statues and architectural design.
Visitors exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum interior with large statue and modern architecture.

Brief history of the Grand Egyptian Museum

  • 1992: The Egyptian government launches a plan for a new museum near the Giza Plateau to house and conserve its vast antiquities.
  • 2002: An international design competition is held; Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects wins with a design aligned to the Pyramids.
  • 2005: Site preparation begins, and the colossal Ramses II statue is moved from Cairo’s main station to the GEM site.
  • 2010 - 2013: Construction slows due to political and economic changes following the Arab Spring; work resumes in phases.
  • 2018 - 2021: Major structural and exhibition halls completed; thousands of artefacts, including Tutankhamun’s treasures, moved from older museums.
  • 2023: Building substantially finished; soft openings and limited tours start.
  • 2024 - 2025: Full opening scheduled, positioning GEM as the largest archaeological museum in the world and Egypt’s flagship cultural project.

Who built the Grand Egyptian Museum?

GEM was designed by Heneghan Peng Architects (Irish firm), with structural engineering by Arup and services engineering by Buro Happold. The landscape master plan was by West 8, and the exhibition/museology work was led by Atelier Brückner. The architectural vision combines modern techniques with reverence for ancient Egyptian design — aligning the building with the nearby pyramids, using geometric façades, and designing galleries to reflect chronology and themes.

Architecture of the Grand Egyptian Museum

  • Monumental & symbolic design: GEM features a triangular façade of translucent, alabaster-like panels. These panels filter daylight to create a shimmering effect and glow softly at night.
  • Alignment with the Pyramids: The museum is built on a plateau about 2 km from the Giza pyramids. Its north and south walls align precisely with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
  • Spectacular atrium: A soaring 40-metre-high atrium houses the colossal Ramses II statue. It opens onto a grand staircase lined with nearly 90 statues and coffins.
  • Grid of Twelve Halls: Exhibition spaces are arranged in a grid of twelve halls. They present Egypt’s history chronologically from prehistory through the Greco-Roman era.
  • Thematic storytelling: Galleries are also organised by themes such as society, beliefs, and kingship. This blends chronological order with immersive narratives for a richer visitor experience.

Frequently asked questions about the Grand Egyptian Museum

What time does the ticket office close?

The ticket counter closes approximately one hour before the museum’s last entry time. Be sure to check GEM’s official site for the exact hours on your visiting day. Read more about timings here.

Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open on public holidays?

Yes, GEM operates on most public holidays, though hours may be shortened. It’s wise to verify holiday schedules ahead of time via official resources.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance bookings are strongly recommended. Special exhibitions—like the Tutankhamun gallery—and timed entrances can sell out quickly.

When is it least crowded?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening tend to be the quietest. Alternatively, later afternoons (but well before closing) can offer calmer galleries.

Will visitors get views of the Pyramids from GEM?

Yes. GEM is located about 2 km from the Giza Pyramid complex, and its design includes large windows framing views of the pyramids to connect the indoor exhibits with the outdoor heritage landscape.

Grand Egyptian Museum Tickets
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