The Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): What you need to know

Twenty years after construction began, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has hosted its grand opening. This greatly anticipated event marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s cultural heritage.

The wait is over, and the GEM’s official grand opening, including the Tutankhamun Galleries and Khufu’s Boats Museum, was on November 1st 2025. The museum officially opened to the public on November 4th. 

After more than two decades of meticulous planning and development, Egypt has unveiled one of its most ambitious cultural initiatives: the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Although the museum has been receiving guests to limited exhibits during a soft-opening phase, the long-awaited grand opening took place on 1st November 2025.

Situated just two kilometres from the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the GEM is the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to one civilisation. It houses over 100,000 artefacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, displayed together for the first time since their discovery in 1922.

With its innovative design and state-of-the-art exhibitions, admission to the museum is set to become the hot ticket for history enthusiasts and travellers worldwide. ​

Architectural Marvel: Design and Symbolism

Designed by Dublin-based Heneghan Peng Architects, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a stunning blend of modern design and ancient symbolism, harmoniously integrated with its location on the edge of the Giza Plateau.

The facade, made of translucent stone, changes with the light, symbolising the enduring nature of Egyptian civilisation. Notably, the eastern facade features seven pyramidal shapes, a number that holds deep significance in Egyptian culture, representing perfection and completeness. These design elements pay tribute to Egypt’s heritage while creating a visual connection with the nearby Pyramids of Giza, reinforcing the museum’s place as a bridge between the ancient and modern worlds.

What to See at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) provides a unique opportunity to explore over 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. It is home to more than 100,000 artefacts that showcase the civilisation’s rich and diverse heritage. This guide offers an overview of what you can expect to see.

Hanging Obelisk

Before even entering the museum, the first awe-inspiring relic of ancient Egypt greets you. Touted as the world’s only Hanging Obelisk, this monument to the sun god Ra has been suspended in a feat of mechanical engineering. From beneath the platform on which it is mounted, visitors can view the base of the obelisk, where a rare cartouche bearing the name of King Ramses II can be seen.

The Atrium

The Atrium is the museum’s entrance hall, where a towering 11-metre statue of Pharaoh Ramses II welcomes visitors. This vast, light-filled space sets the tone for the experience ahead.

Grand Staircase

Leading up from the Atrium is the Grand Staircase, a stunning architectural feature that connects the museum’s different levels while also serving as an exhibition space. Numerous statues and other significant artefacts flank the stairs.

Main Galleries

At the top of the Grand Staircase, visitors arrive at the Main Galleries, where the museum’s extensive collection is displayed across twelve halls. These meticulously curated halls are organised chronologically and by theme, covering many aspects of ancient Egyptian civilisation, from daily life and kingship to religious beliefs and funerary practices. All 12 galleries are open for visitors.

Other Exhibits

In addition to the twelve main galleries, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) encompasses several other significant attractions. These will include the Tutankhamun Exhibition, Khufu’s Solar Boat, and the Children’s Museum.

Tutankhamun Gallery

An unquestionable highlight of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the incredible exhibition of over 5,000 artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings, this will be the first time since their unearthing that all items are displayed together, offering an extraordinary insight into the life and legacy of the young pharaoh known as King Tut. As of November 2025, the long-awaited Tut Gallery is now open.

Note, though, that while the burial treasures have been relocated to the GEM in Giza, Tutankhamun’s original tomb remains open to visitors in Luxor. Notably, his mummified remains and outer gilded sarcophagus are currently still housed within the burial chamber in the Valley of the Kings. Whether or not they will eventually be moved to the GEM remains to be seen.

Khufu’s Solar Boat

Khufu’s Solar Boat is an ancient cedar wood boat believed to have transported Pharaoh Khufu’s soul to the afterlife. It was discovered near the Great Pyramid in 1954 and has been relocated to the GEM.

Interesting fact: It took ten hours to move Khufu’s solar boat from its museum close to the Great Pyramid of Khufu on the Giza Plateau to the GEM. With the grand opening of the GEM in November 2025, the Solar Boat Museum is now open.

Children’s Museum

The GEM Children’s Museum is designed to ignite curiosity about ancient Egypt through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences tailored for young minds. The Children’s Museum is now open and is the perfect addition to a family holiday in Egypt.

Planning a Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The GEM is located in Giza, across the River Nile, a 30 to 40-minute drive from Downtown Cairo, and just two kilometres from the pyramids. Once complete, a walkway will link the museum and the Great Pyramids.

The GEM will be one of the largest museums in the world, so a visit needs careful planning! You’ll want to spend at least 4 to 6 hours exploring the main museum fully, but there is so much to absorb that we recommend splitting your visit into two half-day visits.

The current entrance price for overseas adult visitors to the main museum is approximately £19. Other exhibits may require further tickets. Consider booking a guided tour to gain an in-depth understanding of the exhibits. A private Egyptologist can help you navigate the halls and galleries and bring stories of the ancient Kingdom to life.

Where to stay to visit the GEM

If you are short on time, staying at a hotel in Giza makes sense, as you will be close to both the pyramids and the GEM. The Marriott Mena House Hotel is a luxury hotel offering panoramic views of the pyramids, ideally situated for visiting both the Pyramids complex and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Your Gateway to Egypt’s Greatest Treasures

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is one of this year’s most anticipated openings — a landmark attraction that showcases Egypt’s extraordinary heritage on an unprecedented scale. Speak to our Egypt specialists to arrange a privately guided holiday that includes the GEM, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and other highlights tailored to your interests.