After an almost 20-year wait, the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is opening its doors to the public. So, if you’re planning to a trip to Egypt soon, you must add this iconic museum to your Cairo itinerary. Lucky for you, I’m here to tell you all about it based on my local experience. So, buckle up and get ready for a magical trip back in time to one of the world’s most fascinating ancient civilizations.

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About the Grand Egyptian Museum

Stretching across 120 acres of land, the Grand Egyptian Museum, is considered the world’s largest archaeological museum. The museum boasts more than 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, including King Tut’s entire treasure collection, which, for the first time ever, will be on display alongside artifacts from Egypt’s long history. So, expect archaeological artifacts dating back to thousands of years of civilization in Egypt, from the predynastic period to the Greco-Roman era.

The museum, overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza, was designed by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects. Its construction first began in 2005 but due political and financial setbacks, as well as the global pandemic, its opening was postponed several times. A small section of the museum first opened its doors to the public in early 2023, and now (October 2024), the GEM complex is offering limited access to more exhibits to test site readiness and the visitor experience ahead of the official opening. 

Grand Egyptian Museum: Must-See Exhibits/Collections

Like I mentioned above, there’s limited access to certain areas at the moment. Currently, admission is limited to the main galleries, grand hall, grand staircase; in addition to the commercial area and outdoor gardens. On the other hand, access to the Tuntankhamun galleries will be available after the official opening. 

Here are a few highlights you will want to cover during your visit:

• The world’s only Hanging Obelisk.
• The marvelous Grand Hall and the iconic statue of Ramses II.
• The Grand Staircase gallery boasting more than 60 remarkable artifacts.
• 12 carefully curated exhibits that make up the main galleries, exploring Egypt’s rich history.

Grand Egyptian Museum: Practical Information

The Grand Egyptian Museum’s Location and Directions

Located at the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, the best way to get to the Grand Egyptian Museum is by car. If you don’t have private transportation available, I recommend you go via Uber or Careem. Here’s the museum’s exact location. 

The Grand Egyptian Museum’s Opening Hours

• GEM Complex: open daily from 8:30 AM to 6 PM
• Galleries: open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM

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Ticket Prices

• You need to book your tickets online via the GEM’s official website in advance.
• Last chance to purchase a ticket for the day is at 4 PM
• There are 2 types of tours; regular admission and 90-minute guided tours.
• Ticket’s prices are subject to change.

Admission Ticket Prices

• Admission ticket prices for Egyptians: EGP 200 for adults and EGP 100 for students and seniors.
• Admission ticket prices for tourists: EGP 1,200 for adults and EGP 600 for students.
• Admission ticket prices for expats: EGP 600 for adults and EGP 300 for students.

Guided Tour Ticket Prices

• Guided tour ticket prices for Egyptians: EGP 350 for adults and EGP 175 for students and seniors.
• Guided tour ticket prices for tourists: EGP 1,700 for adults and EGP 850 for students.
• Guided tour ticket prices for expats: EGP 850 for adults and EGP 425 for students.

Facilities

On-site amenities available include restrooms, an outdoor plaza, and a commercial area. The latter features a gift shop and a wide selection of the finest local brands and F&B vendors. Those include Oktein, Atef Wassef, Zooba, 30 North, Dolato, and much more.

Things to Know in Advance

• All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Parking is available on site for a fee.
• Professional filming/photography equipment such as DSLR cameras, lighting equipment, tripods, and drones are prohibited.
• Non-professional, non-commercial personal photography using smartphones is allowed.

Grand Egyptian Museum: Insider Tips

• To avoid crowds, it’s best if you visit the museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• I highly recommend the 90-minute guided tour as the guides are incredibly knowledgable and great storytellers – it’s the best way to experience the museum.
• The tour will also save you time if you need to squeeze in several stops in your day itinerary. Cairo’s a huge city and navigating from one area to another can be time-consuming already especially in its crazy traffic. 
• Try to pair your museum visit with the Great Pyramids of Giza visit as they’re very close in proximity. Just make sure you visit the pyramids first, super early in the morning, as crowds there can be unbearable later during the day.

My Experience at the Grand Egyptian Museum

When I first went to the Grand Egyptian Museum during its first trial period, I was truly impressed. An insane sense of pride was taking over as everything was incredibly impressive and up to international standards.

Aside from our astonishing history and heritage that have the power to drop jaws, here are a few  things I absolutely loved about the Grand Egyptian Museum.

First things first, the design and architecture are absolutely stunning, especially that of the facade. Even the smallest details that were taken into consideration are mindblowing. I wouldn’t want to spoil anything for you – you’ve got to go and see for yourself! Additionally, every single staff member was extremely presentable, knowledgeable, professional, and super friendly. The quality of service was top-notch – tour guides, info desk reps, security, vendors, and even janitors, everyone was exceptional.

Moving on to the commercial area, seeing the array of local brands and local restaurant chains representing was super pride-worthy! Also, the museum’s official gift shop was super cool! Around 90% of the products were manufactured by local brands and every single item on display was of premium quality and design! 

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Events and Special Programs at the Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum often acts as a venue to lots of cultural events. From concerts in the gardens to educational programs, featuring talks and exhibitions, and more, expect the museum to be busy on some ocassions. That’s why it’s important to check there are any events held there during your trip as those usually require special access. 

To wrap it up…

After this long wait, and its awe-inspiring collections on display and founding story, the Grand Egyptian Museum should not just be on top of your Cairo itinerary, but an integral part of your entire Egypt itinerary that you mustn’t miss. Let me know in the comments if you’re planning on visiting the world’s biggest archaeological museum.

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