2025-07-17

You can finally go inside the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Here's a brief look at what's inside:

For over a decade, travelers planning trips to Egypt have crossed their fingers, hoping their visit would coincide with the Grand Egyptian Museum's long-awaited debut. First slated to open in 2012, the GEM became a mirage, with travel agents frequently warning their clients not to get their hopes up, as the opening date seemed to be indefinitely pushed back.

But not anymore.

While the museum is not yet operational, large sections are now open to the public. Visitors can explore the Main Galleries, the Grand Hall, the sweeping Grand Staircase, the Gift Shop, and the Exterior Gardens. The Tutankhamun galleries and Khufu's Solar Boat Exhibit remain closed for now and will be unveiled at the official grand opening.
Fittingly located less than a mile from the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum is a bold architectural feat—one of Egypt's most ambitious modern structures. The museum's sleek and open interior even offers unobstructed views of the Great Pyramids nearby, almost like another display in one of the galleries.

Upon entering the Grand Hall, you are greeted by a massive 3,000-year-old Ramesses II statue. The galleries are divided into three thematic areas: Society, Kingship, and Belief. Each section is arranged chronologically, guiding you through the evolution of ancient Egyptian civilization. Around 2–3 hours is usually a comfortable time to take in the highlights, although it's very much subject to preference.

The museum houses over 100,000 artifacts, many of which have been moved there from across Egypt and taken out of storage where they were hidden from public view. The centerpiece will be an entire wing dedicated to King Tutankhamun, with more than 5,000 artifacts from the boy Pharaoh's tomb displayed together for the first time. Another highlight is Pharaoh Khufu's Solar Boat, which was discovered and buried near the Great Pyramids. Measuring 142 ft long, this masterpiece of ancient engineering will soon be displayed in its new home, after being moved from its original museum next to the Pyramids. The museum was also designed to support ongoing research and conservation efforts, with dedicated facilities for scholars and archaeologists.

Importantly, the GEM isn't intended to replace the century-old Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square, an integral part of the nation's history. That institution will remain open while the GEM serves as a complementary space that allows thousands of previously unseen artifacts to be shared with the world.

As of June 14, 2025, the Prime Minister of Egypt announced that the government has decided to delay the full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum until sometime in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Admission is limited to the Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial area, and exterior gardens. Access to the Tutankhamun galleries and Khufu's Boats Museum is restricted until the official opening.