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The long wait is now over!
As the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum is getting closer every day, it gets more important for you to know all the important stuff related to the largest archaeological museum in the world, to ensure a better traveling experience.
And even if you’re just a bit curious about it, this full guide to the GEM Museum Egypt we provide is necessary for you to get the complete picture of the topic.
In the next few lines, Magic Carpet Travel will take you into the deep details of the Grand Egyptian Museum including the opening date, ticket price, and different Grand Egyptian Museum tours we provide.
Grand Egyptian Museum Overview
Introduction to Grand Egyptian Museum
As the Egyptian treasures keep coming into light from underground, it became more necessary to establish a new repository for these jewels.
And this new repository is the Grand Egyptian Museum aka GEM, which is a real gem as it exhibits about 100,000 pieces of ancient Egyptian civilization and history that reveal ancient Egypt secrets.
The museum resides beside the Pyramids of Giza and an outer design similar to the pyramids.
What makes this museum different is the experience you’ll get, not just in seeing the statues and other antiques, but also in the style in which some antiques are viewed interactively unlike any other museum in the world.
History and Construction of GEM
The project was first announced by the Egyptian government in 1992, and due to many circumstances, the project was delayed many times until it was completed in 2023 with a budget of over $1 billion US dollars.
Since 2002, GEM Museum Egypt faced many challenges that intercepted the construction phase that might have delayed the process, but thankfully, never shut it down.
The museum structure is a true miracle made by “Heneghan Peng Architects”, which made it possible to merge both modern designs with traditional architectural Egyptian designs and gave the building its flat pyramid shape spanning over 5,300,000 sq ft (almost 80 football fields).
Not only the architectural design but also its glass façade that ornates different parts of the museum’s frontier and enhances the vast spaces for the flow of light, imposing grandeur and majesty of the statues within its walls.
And you know what? things don’t end here. In many temples in Egypt, you can see the temple blending with its outer surroundings like the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
This great feature inspired the GEM museum Egypt creators to integrate the museum with its outer landscape, aiming at the Pyramids of Giza, giving spectacular views and connecting the past with the present.
GEM Highlights and Exhibits
It’s not only a matter of how many pieces are in the GEM, but also of their quality and who they belong to.
Today, the GEM exhibits many of ancient Egyptian artifacts that span thousands of years including:
The main entrance has an area of 75,347 square feet and features a statue of King Ramses and five large archaeological pieces.
The Great Staircase has an area of 64,583 square feet, a height equivalent to six floors, and contains 87 large archaeological pieces.
The Hall of King Tutankhamun, covering an area of 80,729 square feet, houses 5,000 pieces of the king’s treasures, displayed together for the first time, along with the golden burial mask of Tutankhamun, one of the most iconic symbols of Ancient Egypt.
The permanent exhibition halls, covering an area of 193,750 square feet, contain artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization.
The temporary exhibition halls cover an area of 53,820 square meters and contain 4 halls for changing exhibitions.
The Children’s Museum covers an area of 53,820 square feet and includes multimedia and models to explain the archaeological content.
The crafts and arts classrooms cover an area of 9472 square feet and contain 5 workshops for handicrafts.
Exhibition halls for people with special needs covering an area of 6997 square meters.
The archaeological storage facilities cover an area of 43,056 square feet and contain approximately 50,000 artifacts prepared for study and scientific research.
The main library has an area of 11840 square feet.
The rare books library has an area of 2691 square feet.
The audiovisual library has an area of 3498 square feet.
Also, among the GEM’s sections is the “Royal Mummies Hall” where the remains of over 20 kings and queens of Egypt, including the most famous Pharaohs, are on display. These mummies provide a rare glimpse into the lives of ancient Egyptian rulers and offer a deeper understanding of their burial customs and beliefs about the afterlife.
In addition to the permanent collections in the museum, the GEM also hosts special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. These exhibits often feature particular dynasties or specific themes, offering fresh perspectives on Egypt’s vast history.
Finally, the museum also boasts a comprehensive collection of ancient Egyptian art, showcasing wall reliefs, sculptures, and jewelry that span various periods of Egyptian history. These pieces reflect the progression of artistic styles and techniques in ancient Egypt and are a testament to the incredible skill of ancient craftsmen.
Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Date
Finally, the wait is over and after 33 years since it was first announced, the Grand Egyptian Museum opening date will be on July 3, 2025.
That’s what the GEM museum Egypt CEO, Ahmed Ghoneim, said in an interview on the “ON TV” Channel, -even though it’s still not mentioned on the GEM official website- and he exclaimed that opening festivals will last for days or even weeks as a symbol for such a majestic event.
Actually, the Grand Egyptian Museum since November 2023 is already on “soft open”, meaning that it’s open to a limited number of visitors and some halls are open for visitors like the atrium, the hanging obelisk, the grand staircase, main galleries including 12 exhibition halls, gardens, and cafes.
Why You Should Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Among the many unique places to visit in Egypt, the Grand Egyptian Museum this place is a monument on a whole other level!
So, if you’re planning a trip to Egypt (or even just thinking about it), let me save you some time and tell you why should visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). No question. Here’s why:
Here’s why you should check it out:
The exhibits bring history to life. It isn’t just rows of dusty old artifacts. The museum uses multimedia and interactive displays to make hieroglyphics and ancient Egyptian history feel vibrant and alive.
The layout actually makes sense. Ever been to a museum where you feel like you’re just wandering aimlessly? Not here. The artifacts in the Grand Egyptian Museum are arranged in thematic and chronological order, so you can really understand how history unfolded.
It’s a whole new way to experience the pyramids. Outside, the pyramids are hot, hectic, and full of camel vendors shouting at you (which is part of the charm, to be fair). But inside the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), you get a quiet, cool, and immersive experience that lets you take in the history without distractions.
It’s the ultimate deep dive into ancient Egypt.
This place isn’t just a museum—it’s like stepping into a time machine. From towering statues to intricate jewelry, you get to see thousands of years of history all in one place. And trust me, seeing these artifacts in person is way more powerful than just looking at pictures.It’s HUGE.
And I mean twice as many artifacts as the Louvre huge. It’s actually the biggest archaeological museum in the world and you could spend hours here and still feel like there’s more to see.The design is mind-blowing.
The Grand Egyptian Museum itself is a masterpiece. The way the space is built—massive open halls, dramatic lighting, and glass walls with views of the pyramids—makes it feel like a modern-day temple to history.More than just exhibited statues.
Sure, there are artifacts (and lots of them), but the Grand Egyptian Museum GEM brings history to life. There are multimedia displays, interactive exhibits, and an actual flow to how everything is presented, so you don’t just wander around aimlessly. You actually understand what you’re looking at.The Ramses II statue is unreal.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a colossal statue of Ramses II. And here’s a cool detail—the ceiling has a missing tile on purpose to mimic how the sun hits his temple at Abu Simbel only on special days. That level of thought in the design? Amazing.A guide makes it much better.
Sure, you can explore on your own, but having a guide gives you a whole new appreciation for what you’re seeing. They’ll point out tiny details, tell you stories behind the artifacts, and make the whole experience way more meaningful.
Top Grand Egyptian Museum Tours
We’ve crafted for our readers and customers several tours that include the top Grand Egyptian Museum tours with a seamless, stress-free tour that lets you skip the hassle and dive straight into the wonders of ancient Egypt.
What you’ll get with us:
Expert Egyptologist Guide, not boring history lessons! Our tour guides bring the museum stories to life with fascinating stories, hidden details, and insider knowledge.
Skip-the-Line Access, to ensure fast-track entry so you spend more time exploring and less time in queues.
Personalized Experience, whether you love history, photography, or just a smooth, well-organized tour, we tailor the experience to your interests.
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off. No need to worry about transport, we’ll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Among our top GEM tours, here are our top 5 Grand Egyptian Museum tours:
Classical Private Full Day to Cairo Attractions
A full-day tour that takes you to the Great Pyramids of Giza, Grand Egyptian Museum, Salah el Din Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, and finally Khan El Khalili Street.
Check the full itinerary from here.
Cairo Highlights – 2 Days
In Only 2 days, you’ll meet different types of historical styles and eras in Cairo which are ancient Egyptian, Islamic, and Coptic eras
Check the full itinerary from here.
Grand Egyptian Museum and Northern Wonders Tour – 5 Days
Includes visiting GEM along with Alexandria and Cairo’s different attractions.
Check the full itinerary from here.
Around Egypt with Nile Cruise – 7 Days
As this one includes your GEM tour, it includes the magical and unprecedented Nile Cruise trip that will take you from Luxor to Aswan passing by the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, and not only that, as it will take you to the majestic Abu Simbel temples
Check the full itinerary from here.
Sahara And Red Sea Explorer – 13 Days
This tour makes you say “Now that’s a truly Egypt tour” as it’s a comprehensive one that includes different types of places you can visit along with your Grand Egyptian Museum tour like Cairo, Luxor, Western Desert Oases, and Red Sea relaxational trip.
Check the full itinerary from here.
Grand Egyptian Museum Ticket Price
Magic Carpet Travel has brought you the full list of the Grand Egyptian Museum ticket prices, whether you’re an Egyptian or a foreigner as follows:
For Arabs and other Other Nationalities
GEM Ticket (Adult): 1200 EGP/Person
GEM Ticket (Child): 600 EGP/Person
GEM Ticket (Student): 600 EGP/Person
For Egyptians
GEM Ticket (Adult): 200 EGP/Person
GEM Ticket (Child): 100 EGP/Person
GEM Ticket (Student): 100 EGP/Person
GEM Ticket (Senior): 100 EGP/Person
Grand Egyptian Museum Reviews
Visitors lucky enough to experience the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) during its soft opening have been raving about it—and honestly, it’s easy to see why. The reviews are packed with excitement, praising everything from the stunning architecture to the immersive exhibits and the unbelievable collection of artifacts that bring Egypt’s history to life.
One thing people can’t stop talking about is the museum’s design. It’s modern yet deeply connected to Egypt’s heritage, sitting right next to the Pyramids of Giza as if it belongs there. The huge glass walls let in floods of natural light, making the ancient statues and artifacts look even more majestic. It’s the kind of place that feels as grand as the history it holds.
Then there’s the layout—and this is a big one. Unlike some museums where you feel lost or overwhelmed, the GEM is beautifully organized. Everything flows in a way that actually makes sense, taking you through Ancient Egypt’s timeline without confusion. Plus, the interactive exhibits are a game-changer. Instead of just reading plaques, you get to engage with the history—think multimedia displays, digital reconstructions, and experiences that make the past feel alive.
And of course, there’s King Tutankhamun’s treasure—all 5,000 pieces of it, displayed together for the first time ever. Reviews describe it as “once-in-a-lifetime” and “absolutely surreal.” And let’s not forget the colossal Ramses II statue at the entrance, which visitors say is a jaw-dropping way to start the experience.
If the Grand Egyptian Museum reviews are anything to go by, this isn’t just another museum—it’s a journey through time that you don’t want to miss.
Plan your visit now and make your Grand Egyptian Museum tour an unforgettable experience with Magic Carpet Travel!
FAQ
Where is the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is located in Giza, Egypt, just a short distance from the Pyramids of Giza, offering stunning views of these ancient wonders.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open?
The museum is partially open for special tours and events, but the full grand opening will take place on July 3, 2025. However, some sections, including key exhibits, are already accessible to visitors
What are the Grand Egyptian Museum reviews?
Early visitors have given highly positive reviews, praising the museum’s modern design, vast collection, and immersive multimedia displays that bring ancient history to life.
What is the Grand Egyptian Museum ticket price?
For non-Egyptians, Grand Egyptian Museum ticket price varies as for Adults is 1200 EGP/Person, for children is 600 EGP/Person, and for students is 600 EGP/Person. For Egyptians, Adults is 200 EGP/Person and for children, students, and seniors is 100 EGP/Person.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum finished yet?
Currently, the museum is still under development until opening on July 3, 2025, with some sections awaiting completion. However, key areas, including major exhibits and iconic artifacts, are already open for special visits.
Is it worth going to the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Absolutely! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, showcasing thousands of ancient artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s full treasure collection, all displayed together for the first time.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum the largest in the world?
Yes, the Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, covering over 480,000 square meters.
How much does it cost to enter the Grand Egyptian Museum?
For non-Egyptians, the Grand Egyptian Museum ticket price varies as for Adults is 1200 EGP/Person, for children is 600 EGP/Person, and for students is 600 EGP/Person. For Egyptians, Adults is 200 EGP/Person and for children, students, and seniors is 100 EGP/Person.
