Grand Egyptian Museum
Quick answer
Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt — the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been under construction for more than two decades on a 50-hectare site at the foot of the Giza Plateau, within sight of the Pyramids. Open daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (timed entry). Admission: EGP 1,200 for non-residents. Allow 3–4 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Grand Egyptian Museum at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (timed entry) |
|---|---|
| Admission | EGP 1,200 for non-residents |
| Free or reduced entry | Reduced prices for Egyptian residents |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 3–4 hours |
| Best time to visit | Arrive at opening (9:00 AM) for the Tutankhamun galleries before tour groups. |
| Getting there | Taxi: Taxi or Uber from Cairo or Giza — approximately 45 minutes from central Cairo depending on traffic |
| Address | Alexandria Desert Rd, Giza Governorate, Egypt |
| Official website | gem.gov.eg |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Grand Egyptian Museum known for?
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been under construction for more than two decades on a 50-hectare site at the foot of the Giza Plateau, within sight of the Pyramids. It is designed to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, housing approximately 100,000 artefacts.
For the first time, the complete treasure of Tutankhamun — all 5,000+ objects from the boy king's tomb — will be displayed together in a dedicated gallery. A grand staircase lined with monumental statuary leads visitors from the entrance hall to the main galleries.
The museum is opening in phases — check the official website for current gallery availability. Even in partial opening, the Tutankhamun galleries and the pyramids-view terrace make it one of the most significant museum openings of the 21st century.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · First-timers · Families
How long do you need at Grand Egyptian Museum?
Allow 3–4 hours. A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Grand Egyptian Museum without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Tutankhamun Golden Mask
📍 Tutankhamun Galleries
The iconic death mask of the boy king — 11 kg of solid gold inlaid with lapis lazuli and carnelian.
- 2
Tutankhamun Golden Throne
📍 Tutankhamun Galleries
A gilded ceremonial throne depicting Tutankhamun and his queen Ankhesenamun — among the most exquisite pieces of furniture from the ancient world.
- 3
Grand Staircase Statues
📍 Grand Staircase
Enormous pharaonic statues lining the ceremonial staircase — including a 30-foot statue of Ramses II that greets visitors at the entrance.
- 4
Khufu Solar Boat
📍 Solar Boat Museum (adjacent)
A full-size reconstructed cedar ship buried beside the Great Pyramid — believed to carry the pharaoh's soul across the heavens.
- 5
Pyramids Viewing Terrace
📍 Upper Level, West Facade
A panoramic terrace offering unobstructed views of the Pyramids of Giza — the museum's location makes the ancient monuments part of every visit.
What are the must-see works at Grand Egyptian Museum?
5 highlights that define the collection: Tutankhamun Golden Mask, Tutankhamun Golden Throne, Grand Staircase Statues and more.
Tutankhamun Golden Mask
Egyptian · c. 1323 BCE
📍 Tutankhamun Galleries
The iconic death mask of the boy king — 11 kg of solid gold inlaid with lapis lazuli and carnelian. Previously in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir; now displayed with the full tomb treasure for the first time.
Tutankhamun Golden Throne
Egyptian · c. 1323 BCE
📍 Tutankhamun Galleries
A gilded ceremonial throne depicting Tutankhamun and his queen Ankhesenamun — among the most exquisite pieces of furniture from the ancient world.
Grand Staircase Statues
Various · Old Kingdom to New Kingdom
📍 Grand Staircase
Enormous pharaonic statues lining the ceremonial staircase — including a 30-foot statue of Ramses II that greets visitors at the entrance.
Khufu Solar Boat
Old Kingdom · c. 2500 BCE
📍 Solar Boat Museum (adjacent)
A full-size reconstructed cedar ship buried beside the Great Pyramid — believed to carry the pharaoh's soul across the heavens.
Pyramids Viewing Terrace
Architecture · 2024
📍 Upper Level, West Facade
A panoramic terrace offering unobstructed views of the Pyramids of Giza — the museum's location makes the ancient monuments part of every visit.
Collections and highlights
- • Complete Tutankhamun treasure
- • Grand Staircase monumental statuary
- • Khufu Solar Boat
- • Pyramids viewing terrace
- • Pre-dynastic to Greco-Roman galleries
Tips for visiting Grand Egyptian Museum
- 1.
Best time to visit
Arrive at opening (9:00 AM) for the Tutankhamun galleries before tour groups. The pyramids terrace is best in late afternoon light.
- 2.
Tickets & booking
Timed entry tickets required — EGP 1,200 for non-residents. Book online at gem.gov.eg. Galleries are opening in phases — verify which sections are open before booking.
- 3.
Accessibility
The new building is fully accessible with lifts and ramps throughout the vast interior.
- 4.
Photography rules
Photography rules vary by gallery — the Tutankhamun galleries may restrict cameras. Check current policy at entry.
How do you get to Grand Egyptian Museum?
- taxi Taxi or Uber from Cairo or Giza — approximately 45 minutes from central Cairo depending on traffic
- bus Tour buses from Cairo hotels — most Nile cruise and pyramid tours include GEM transfers
- car Drive via Alexandria Desert Road — parking available on the 50-hectare site
- walk Short walk from the Pyramids of Giza complex — many visitors combine both in one day
Address: Alexandria Desert Rd, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Grand Egyptian Museum: frequently asked questions
Is the museum fully open?
Galleries are opening in phases; check the official site for the latest status before booking.
Is it close to the Pyramids?
Yes — it is a short walk to the Pyramids of Giza from the museum's outdoor terrace.
How long should I spend at Grand Egyptian Museum?
Plan 3–4 hours for the highlights of Grand Egyptian Museum. Our 5-stop route — Tutankhamun Golden Mask, Tutankhamun Golden Throne, Grand Staircase Statues and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Grand Egyptian Museum best known for?
The Grand Egyptian Museum has been under construction for more than two decades and is finally opening in stages on a 50-hectare site beside the Pyramids of Giza. Key highlights include Complete Tutankhamun treasure, Grand Staircase monumental statuary, Khufu Solar Boat.
How do I get tickets for Grand Egyptian Museum?
Admission: EGP 1,200 for non-residents. Book a timed-entry ticket on the official website before you go — popular slots sell out in peak season. Official site: https://gem.gov.eg/
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum fully open?
The GEM is opening in phases. The Tutankhamun galleries and main collections are among the first to open, but not all 100,000 artefacts will be on display immediately. Check gem.gov.eg for the current status before planning your visit.
What happens to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square?
The historic Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo will remain open with a reduced collection focused on specific periods. Many of its masterworks — including the Tutankhamun treasure — have moved to the GEM.
Can I visit the GEM and the Pyramids in one day?
Yes — the GEM is a short walk or drive from the Giza pyramid complex. Most visitors do the pyramids in the morning and the museum in the afternoon, or vice versa. Allow a full day for both.
Is Grand Egyptian Museum open on Mondays?
Yes — Grand Egyptian Museum is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (timed entry). Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Grand Egyptian Museum's opening hours?
Grand Egyptian Museum is open daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (timed entry). Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Grand Egyptian Museum free to visit?
Not for everyone. Standard admission: EGP 1,200 for non-residents. Free or reduced entry: Reduced prices for Egyptian residents.