The Grand Egyptian Museum Is Now Open — And It’s Worth Planning a Trip Around
Some travel moments feel historic even as you’re living them. The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is one of those moments.
The path to the museum’s completion is nearly as epic as the civilizations on display, a testament to the unwavering belief that Egypt’s story must be told, not in scattered displays across the world but as a unified history. Conceived in 1992, the concept for the museum held fast through financial crises and regional wars until it’s completion in 2025. With an epic journey to completion, it’s almost fitting that the building that houses Egypt’s most precious treasures took as long to finish as the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The Tutankhamun Gallery: “Everywhere the glint of gold.”
Those were the words uttered by Howard Carter when he peered through the little hole drilled through a door sealed for 3000 years. The boy king has fascinated generations ever since. The Tutankhamun Gallery lets visitors experience the same awe and wonder felt by the team that opened up the tomb, minus the alleged curse.
For the first time ever, the complete collection from the tomb displayed together under one roof. The famous golden funerary mask depicting the King as the god Osiris holds centre stage. Alongside this, you’ll see the 5,500 artifacts found in his tomb. Ceremonial objects, everyday items, jewellery, and his golden throne tell a fuller, more intimate story of Tutankhamun’s life, reign, and journey into the afterlife.
For history lovers, this alone makes the GEM worth the trip. For kids and first-timers, it’s the kind of experience that sparks curiosity and wonder long after you leave. To see Tutankhamun’s mummy itself, however, you’ll have to travel all the way to Luxor’s Valley of the King’s where it is housed in the tomb itself.
The Other Exhibits
If Tut-mania hasn’t consumed your travelling party, the other exhibits hold their own ground too.
The Collosi Of The Grand Hall
Ancient Egypt is known for its grand statues and the Grand Hall of the museum shows them off in their full glory. See the giant statue of King Ramses II standing at an impressive 11.5 metres and learn about King Merenptah’s victory in battle at his Column.
The Grand Stairs
Learn about the Divine Houses and how temples were constructed to maintain the order of the universe. Explore ancient funerary customs and the artifacts that accompanied the dead in their journey through eternity.
Khufu Boats
On par with the Tutankhamun exhibit is the part of the museum housing the Khufu boats. These extraordinary vessels offer a direct connection to ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. Built more than 4,500 years ago for Pharaoh Khufu, the ruler behind the Great Pyramid, you see an intact, life-size boat meticulously reconstructed from thousands of original cedarwood pieces and another under the process of restoration with the precise joinery achieved without nails.
An Experience That Spans Millenia
GEM is the place to learn Ancient Egypt about more than its pharaohs, mummies, and tombs. The museum houses tens of thousands of artifacts spanning prehistoric Egypt, the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, and the Greco-Roman period. The galleries take you through daily life, religion, art, and innovation with the exhibits making the experience accessible to both casual visitors and aspiring Egyptologists alike.
Tickets And Tours
You have the option to explore the museum at your leisure by purchasing a ticket. Another option is to join a guided tour as expert guides take you through an unforgettable journey through the museum’s treasures. Let your inner Indiana Jone shine with the Discovery Challenge as you search for clues, solve puzzles, and decipher the key to a hidden treasure, making the visit to the museum fun for the entire family.
Pair It With The Pyramids
The Grand Egyptian Museum is conveniently located just a couple of kilometres from the famous pyramids of Giza. It’s a good idea to visit the pyramids early in the morning while it is still cool outside and then spend the hottest part of the day indoors exploring the museum. Visiting the pyramids first will also help give context to the various artifacts you see.
How Long Should Your Visit To The GEM Be?
How long is a piece of string? It really depends on what you and your group are looking for. You can spend all day in the museum or spend two hours seeing the highlights. There is a fast-track route that only takes 20 minutes, but we only recommend that if you know you will be back to spend more time in the museum soon.
Whichever path you choose, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes!
Why Now Is the Time to Go
The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum marks a new chapter in global travel.
Visiting now means being part of that moment. If Egypt has ever been on your travel list, consider this your sign.
