The billion-dollar, two-decades-in-the-making Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza opens today, showcasing ancient artefacts and never-seen-before treasures.
The world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is one for the history books. Located next to the Great Pyramid of Giza – the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World – this museum is home to twenty years of modern-day expectations and thousands of years of ancient history; all housed under one roof.
GEM’s ancient artefacts – many never-seen-before – are spread across 12 exhibition halls dedicated to eras and/or themes that span ancient Egyptian civilisations, from the Predynastic Period through to the Greco-Roman era.
The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, showcasese ancient Egypt’s treasures, including King Tutankhamun’s collection, 17 June 2025 Egypt
The star of the show? Undoubtedly the display dedicated to Egypt’s most famous king: the Tutankhamun Galleries, which reunites more than 5,000 objects found in the Boy King’s tomb (so named because he began his reign at nine years old), by archaeologist Howard Carter, in 1922. Displayed together for the first time, these include his Golden Burial Mask, ceremonial chair, gilded coffin, ritual carrying box, perfume jars and earrings. Some of these were previously housed in a central Cairo museum in El-Tahrir Square, in a somewhat cramped and musty space. This billion-dollar, brand-new museum offers a space far more fitting to Egypt’s most celebrated king.
Elsewhere, the museum is home to the 3,200-year-old, 37-foot statue of King Ramses II (discovered in 1820); the Queen Hetepheres I collection including her bed and a box of bracelets, found in 1925 in a burial chamber on the Giza Plateau; and the 4,500-year-old funerary boat of Khufu – the Egyptian pharaoh known for commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza – the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World.
GEM Grand Staircase – Copyright Grand Egyptian Museum
Designed in a pyramid-shape and standing just two kilometers away from the Giza Plateau, the museum has been called the “fourth pyramid” as it joins the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
All three pyramids are perfectly framed from inside the museum, which was designed by Irish architecture firm Heneghan Peng. “Our design works to strengthen that connection to history and place,” says Róisín Heneghan, founding partner at Heneghan Peng architects, continuing that it provides “a home for some never-before-seen artefacts that rests upon the very land from which they were created”.
The Grand Egyptian Museum by Georges & Samuel Mohsen – The GS Studio – for Heneghan Peng Architects
Of course, any visit to the museum should be paired with a visit to the pyramids too. The closest (roughly a 15-minute drive away) are those on the Giza Plateau – and if you can withstand any claustrophobia, it’s well worth touring inside the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu) for added historical context and to see the pyramid’s King’s Chamber, where the remains of Pharaoh Khufu were believed to once rest, alongside treasures buried with him for the afterlife. Fair warning though (and I speak from experience): this is a hot, stuffy and tight space that, at certain points, does require crawling on hands-and-knees for access. A one-hour drive away is the Pyramid of Djoser, the first known pyramid in the world.
The best way to get to the Grand Egyptian Museum is by car (including taxis and Ubers); the drive takes approximately 30 minutes from Downtown Cairo. The best places to stay nearby include Marriott MENA House (a 10-minute drive away) and Giza Palace (a 30-minute drive away). Better still, take a luxury cruise down the Nile with Abercrombie & Kent, who can also arrange tours of the museum as part of your trip.
FAQs about the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Where is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) located?
The museum is located near the Giza Pyramids. Find it at El Remayah Square, Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Giza.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) open yet?
Yes, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened to the public on 4 November 2025.
How do I get to the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The best way to travel to GEM is by car or taxi (Uber is available from Cairo). The journey takes about 30 minutes from Downtown Cairo: exit onto Cairo/Alex Desert Road, head towards El Remayah Square, and enter Gate 2.
What are the opening hours?
GEM is open every day from 9am to 6pm, with extended hours on Saturdays and Wednesdays (until 10pm).
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it is advised. You can book GEM tickets here.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are offered in English and Arabic. For other languages, you may contact the museum.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. The museum is designed to be wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, lifts and wide pathways.
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Lead image: The 3,200-year-old statue of King Ramses II at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Image Copyright: Grand Egyptian Museum
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