Things to Know About the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025
Nowadays, one of the most anticipated attractions on an Egypt tour should be the Grand Egyptian Museum. Although the opening of the museum has been postponed several times due to multiple different reasons, it is now finally starting its trial operation.
For those who have been waiting for this important project for a long time and for those who have few ideas about the museum, we would like to show you the charming points of the museum and all you need to know for visiting it.
Can I Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum Now
Yes. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is now soft open, offering visitors a sneak peek before its official debut.
During this period, the main 12 halls are accessible, spanning Egypt's entire ancient history and showcasing 15,000 artifacts. However, the iconic King Tutankhamun galleries remain closed until the grand opening.
Important Note:
- To ensure a seamless visit, we recommend booking your tickets in advance due to limited daily capacity.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
What to See in the Grand Egyptian Museum
King Tutankhamun's Collection (Yet to Open)
This is the centerpiece of the museum, showcasing the incredible treasures discovered in the pharaoh's tomb in the Valley of the Kings, including his famous golden masks, sarcophagi, golden beds, chariots, and around 7,000 other pieces of treasure.
Unlike in the old Egyptian Museum, where all the collections were simply displayed in the showcase, in the new museum visitors will be able to learn more about Tutankhamun's detailed life.
The Grand Staircase
As soon as you enter the museum, you’ll walk up the impressive Grand Staircase, lined with massive statues of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. One of the most striking is the colossal statue of Ramses II, which greets visitors near the entrance. The staircase also features statues of other notable rulers and deities, setting the tone for the grand scale of the museum.
The Solar Boat of Khufu
One of the museum’s most extraordinary pieces is the Solar Boat of Pharaoh Khufu, which was discovered next to the Great Pyramid at Giza. This ancient boat, over 4,500 years old, was built to carry the soul of the pharaoh into the afterlife. It has been painstakingly restored and now stands as a testament to the ancient Egyptians’ advanced shipbuilding skills.
Galleries Covering 3,000 Years of Egyptian History
The museum has thousands of artifacts on display, showcasing ancient Egyptian life, culture, and religion.
The artifacts cover the period from the early civilizations of the Prehistoric to Second Intermediate Period to the imperial might of the New Kingdom and the cultural fusion of the Third Intermediate to Graeco-Roman Period. You can explore:
- Mummies and Sarcophagi: See intricately decorated sarcophagi and preserved mummies of both royals and commoners.
- Daily Life in Ancient Egypt: Exhibits showcasing tools, pottery, clothing, and household items that give a glimpse into the everyday lives of ancient Egyptians.
- Temples and Statues: Large-scale statues, stelae, and carvings from temples offer insight into the spiritual and ceremonial aspects of Egyptian life.
The Conservation Center
One of the most innovative features and attractive spots of the Grand Egyptian Museum is its conservation center. The center is equipped with advanced technologies and facilities to protect and preserve the museum's vast collection. It is designed to offer visitors a behind-the-scenes view of the museum's conservation process. Visitors will be able to get a deeper understanding of the work required to protect and maintain these priceless treasures.
How Much Will It Cost for Visiting GEM
The ticket price of the GEM ticket ranges from USD 35 to USD 150, depending on the size of your group and the service you need, like the language, share/private guide, etc. If you are curious about the mysterious museum, please contact Odynovo for exact information.
Where is the Grand Egyptian Museum
It's located just a short drive from the bustling city center of Cairo, with a stone's throw from the Pyramids of Giza (about 2 kilometres), which means it is super convenient for you to explore both ancient wonders in a single day.
Location Map of the Grand Egyptian Museum
How to Get to the Grand Egyptian Museum
There will be multiple ways to access the new Grand Egyptian Museum. The museum is built near the Cairo Ring Road, which is a highway that circles around the city of Cairo. It is around a 17-minute drive from the city center of Cairo.
It is also very convenient to use a taxi to arrive at the museum, which only costs 1 to 2 dollars from Cairo.
Other than using cars, there is a metro line currently under construction that links the city and the museum. The new Sphinx International Airport, which is only 20 minutes away from the museum, is in its final testing period, but once it's completed, it is also possible to have faster access to the museum after you get off your flight.
Attractions Around the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Giza Pyramids
Egyptian Pyramids, which tourists from all over the world visit, are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the most popular tourist pyramids in Egypt is the Great Pyramids of Giza.
If you purchase a ticket to visit the interior, you'll be able to go inside the pyramid and feel the mystery of it.
The Great Sphinx
Right next to the Pyramids, the Sphinx is a sacred Egyptian creature with a human face and a lion's body and is enshrined in Giza as the guardian deity of the three pyramids. Carved out of a limestone hill, the sculpture is 73.5 meters long, 20 meters high, and 19 meters wide. The Sphinx is one of the most popular spots to take an iconic photo of your Egypt tour.
The Sound and Light Show at Giza
For a more dramatic experience, check out the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza. Every evening, the pyramids and Sphinx are illuminated while a narrated show tells the story of ancient Egypt, its pharaohs, and the construction of these legendary structures. It’s a great way to end your day after visiting GEM.
Pyramid and Sphinx
Where to Stay Near the Grand Egyptian Museum
Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa
Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel of a famous hotel chain near the three pyramids. Pyramids are within walking distance, but you can also admire them from the room or from the pool. Pyramids view is available from the balcony of half of the guest rooms. The moon-shaped pool in the courtyard is impressive when it is lit up at night. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the hotel including Japanese, Italian and European cuisines. The well-equipped spa facilities of the hotel is a perfect place to soothe away the fatigue of sightseeing. There is also a cafe where you can smoke shisha.
Marriott Mena House
Marriott Mena House is a 5-star luxury hotel that is the closest to the pyramids among all the luxury hotels. It is a resort hotel rather than a tourist hotel, fully equipped with services and facilities such as spas and restaurants. Other than the diverse international restaurants, 24h in-room dining services such as breakfast and evening snacks are also available. The hotel has been renovated which makes it a nice point that the room and the bathroom are very clean. Pyramids can be seen from a lot of places in the hotel and there are many photogenic spots.
Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx
Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx is a 5-star hotel in front of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids. The guest rooms are modernly decorated in warm olive green and burgundy tones. Some of the rooms also offer views of the pyramids or the gardens. The hotel is facilitated with a fitness center, sauna, and an outdoor pool. The main restaurant serves oriental cuisine, and the R&J Lounge offers a variety of grilled dishes accompanied by Egyptian and French wines.
What Will Happen to the Old Egyptian Museum
As the main ancient Egyptian collection has been gradually transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum, many people may wonder what will happen to the old Egyptian Museum. However, it's worth noting that some artifacts, particularly those that are too fragile or large to be moved, will remain at the old museum.
The old Egyptian Museum is a historic building that was founded in 1892 and has been in operation for more than a century. There are plans to demolish the old building and modernize it to improve the visitor experience and ensure the long-term preservation of its collections.
Hassle-Free Trip to Egypt With GEM
If you are searching for a travel plan that covers the Grand Egyptian Museum and other attractions as well, feel free to contact us to make the most of your journey. Our experienced travel professionals will create a tailor-made itinerary according to your interests, schedule, and budget.
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