After two decades of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) beside the Giza Pyramids is fully open — and it instantly became Egypt’s must-see attraction. The largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, GEM finally gives Tutankhamun’s complete treasure collection and 100,000+ artifacts the home they deserve. Here’s how to plan your visit.

Where Is the Grand Egyptian Museum?

GEM sits on the Giza Plateau, about 2 km from the Great Pyramids — its glass facade actually frames a view of them. From downtown Cairo it’s roughly 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Most visitors combine GEM with a pyramids visit in a single day; our full-day Giza, Saqqara & Dahshur tour can be customized to include it.

What You’ll See: Top Highlights

1. The Grand Staircase

A six-storey ascent lined with colossal statues of kings and gods, ending with a window view of the pyramids themselves. Take your time here — it is the museum’s signature experience.

2. The Complete Tutankhamun Collection

For the first time since the tomb’s discovery in 1922, all ~5,000 objects from Tutankhamun’s tomb are displayed together: the golden mask, thrones, chariots, jewelry and funerary beds, arranged to mirror how they were found.

3. Statue of Ramses II

The 11-metre, 83-tonne granite colossus greets you in the atrium — the same statue that once stood in Ramses Square in central Cairo.

4. Khufu’s Solar Boats

The 4,500-year-old cedar ships buried beside the Great Pyramid, moved to a dedicated GEM wing.

5. The Main Galleries

Twelve chronological galleries walk you from prehistory to the Greco-Roman era. Even a fast visit takes 3–4 hours; enthusiasts should plan a full day.

Tickets & Opening Hours

Tickets are sold online and at the museum; adult foreigner admission is in the range of EGP 1,200–1,500 (the Tutankhamun galleries and special exhibitions may carry separate or combined tickets). Children and students get significant discounts. The museum generally opens daily from morning to early evening, with extended hours on some evenings. Prices and hours change — always check the official GEM website or ask your tour operator when booking.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  • Book online in advance — timed-entry slots for the Tutankhamun galleries sell out in peak season (October–April).
  • Go early or late. Tour groups peak between 10 am and 2 pm.
  • Hire a guide. Labels are good, but an Egyptologist turns the galleries into stories — all our Cairo tours include one.
  • Combine with the pyramids — but do GEM first while your legs are fresh; the site is huge.
  • Food: the museum has cafés and restaurants; prices are touristy but quality is decent.
  • Photography is allowed in most galleries without flash; some special exhibits restrict it.

GEM vs. the Old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir

The historic pink building on Tahrir Square still displays thousands of pieces and keeps its old-world charm, while the royal mummies now rest at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). If you have time, all three museums complement each other — our Old Cairo & Egyptian Museum day tour covers the classics.

Visit GEM the Easy Way

Skip the ticket lines and traffic planning: our private tours include hotel pickup, an expert Egyptologist guide, and flexible itineraries that pair GEM with the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara or Old Cairo. Browse our day trips from Cairo or get in touch to build your perfect museum day.