Located on the Giza Plateau, just steps from the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. After more than two decades of construction, GEM officially opened on November 1, 2025 — one of the most significant cultural events in Egypt’s modern history — and now stands as an essential stop on any Egypt itinerary.
The Tutankhamun Galleries
The undisputed centerpiece of the museum is the Tutankhamun Galleries — a 7,500 square meter space displaying all 5,398 artifacts from the boy king’s tomb together for the first time since Howard Carter’s discovery in 1922, including the iconic golden death mask.
Other Highlights
The Grand Staircase, lined with colossal statues, forms the museum’s dramatic central spine, leading visitors upward through Egyptian history chronologically.
Ramses II Colossus — an 11-meter, 80-ton statue of Ramses the Great greets visitors in the museum’s Grand Hall, offering an unforgettable first impression.
The Khufu Boat Museum, housing an ancient solar boat discovered buried beside the Great Pyramid, believed to have been built for Khufu’s journey into the afterlife.
The Triad of Menkaure, a beautifully preserved statue depicting King Menkaure (builder of Giza’s third pyramid) alongside the goddess Hathor and a local deity.
Altogether, the museum displays more than 100,000 artifacts spanning ancient Egyptian history.
Tickets & Hours
As of 2026, standard admission for foreign adult visitors is approximately 1,500 EGP (around $30 USD), covering the main galleries and the Tutankhamun collection. Discounted rates apply for foreign students (13-25, with valid ID) and children aged 6-12, at roughly half price.
The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with last entry around two hours before closing.
Don’t confuse GEM with the older Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square — they’re two separate museums with separate tickets. The Tahrir Square museum remains open and worthwhile in its own right (see our guide to it), but the Tutankhamun collection has now moved to GEM.
Visiting Tips
- Plan for 3 hours minimum, ideally 4-5 hours with a guide, given the sheer scale of the collection
- The quietest time is the first hour after opening (8:30-10:30 AM), before coach groups arrive
- A licensed Egyptologist guide is genuinely valuable here, given how much ground there is to cover
- GEM pairs naturally with a Giza Pyramids visit on the same day, given the museum’s location right on the plateau
Explore our Cairo tour packages →, including visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum fully open?
Yes — following its official opening on November 1, 2025, GEM is fully operational, with all main galleries, the Grand Staircase, and the complete Tutankhamun collection open to visitors.
How much does a ticket to the Grand Egyptian Museum cost?
Foreign adult tickets run approximately 1,450 EGP (around $30 USD), with discounted rates for students and children.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum the same as the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square?
No — they’re two separate museums. GEM, on the Giza Plateau, now holds the complete Tutankhamun collection. The older Tahrir Square museum remains open with its own separate collection and ticket.
How much time should I plan for a GEM visit?
At least 3 hours, with 4-5 hours recommended for a guided visit given the scale of the collection.
