Is the Grand Egyptian Museum Finally Open in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Have you heard about Cairo’s hottest new attraction? The Grand Egyptian Museum is finally open to the public, and trust me—you need to put this on your Cairo itinerary!
If you’re visiting Cairo in 2025, forget the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Egyptian Civilization—head straight to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)! This is the one museum in Cairo you absolutely can’t miss!
Just 2 km from the Pyramids of Giza, GEM is the world’s largest archaeological museum and home to the legendary King Tut collection—yes, the famous golden mask is here!
I visited after its partial opening in late 2024, and let me tell you, it’s breathtaking. Unlike the cramped, chaotic museums of Coptic Cairo, GEM is sleek, modern, and surprisingly easy to explore. And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t always love museums!
Even before its full opening in July 2025, it’s already one of the best things to do in Cairo. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
This blog post is all about visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About the Grand Egyptian Museum
Before we jump into the top things to see at the Grand Egyptian Museum, here are some mind-blowing facts about the GEM that’ll make you even more excited to visit!
- It’s massive – Covering 500,000 square meters, GEM is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization—bigger than the Louvre (though the Louvre still wins in exhibition space).
- Almost 20 years in the making – Construction started in 2005, but political delays and COVID-19 kept pushing back the opening.
- A world-class design – The stunning architecture comes from Heneghan Peng Architects, an Irish firm that won an international competition for the project.
- One of the most expensive museums ever built – With a price tag of $1.5 billion, including a $300 million loan from Japan, this is no ordinary museum!
- Home to 100,000+ artifacts – – Expect colossal statues, hidden treasures, and for the first time ever, King Tut’s entire collection displayed together in one place.
- Plan for at least 4–6 hours – This isn’t a quick stop! Plan at least 4–6 hours to take it all in.
- A future record-breaker – With an estimated 5–7 million visitors per year, GEM is set to become one of the most visited museums in the world.
Bonus Tip: If you’re visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025, I highly recommend staying nearby at a Cairo hotel with pyramid views. I’ll share all the details below!
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum Open to the Public?
Yes! Well… partially. Since October 2024, the museum has been open to the public, and it’s possible to visit the Grand Hall, the massive staircase, 12 galleries, and even the shopping area. But the full opening is set for July 3, 2025, when they’ll finally unveil King Tut’s entire treasure collection and Khufu’s solar boat.
So, is it worth visiting before then? Absolutely! Even though some key exhibits aren’t open yet, the museum is already one of the best places to visit in Cairo. But if you’re patient and can wait until late 2025, the full experience will be even better.
Me? I know I’ll be going back!
Looking for more things to do in Cairo? Don’t miss my guide to the most beautiful mosques in Cairo!
GEM Opening Hours & Ticket Prices
1. Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Hours
Good news! The Grand Egyptian Museum is open daily, with extended hours on some days:
- GEM Complex: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on Saturday & Wednesday)
- Galleries: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on Saturday & Wednesday)
- Last ticket purchase: 5:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on Saturday & Wednesday)
I visited right when it opened, and we practically had the museum to ourselves! But if you’re also planning to visit the Giza Pyramids the same day (which you probably are!), keep in mind that midday heat and tour bus crowds can be brutal.
If I could do it again, I’d visit the pyramids first thing in the morning, then head to GEM in the afternoon when it’s cooler. Totally up to you, but I wish I had planned it that way!
2. Grand Egyptian Museum Ticket Prices
Now, let’s talk ticket prices! GEM offers two entry options:
- Regular Admission – General entry to the museum.
- 90-Minute Guided Tour – Available in English or Arabic, led by official GEM guides.
I chose regular admission since I had a guide from Medjet Travel, but if you’re visiting on your own, I highly recommend the guided tour. Having an expert explain the exhibits makes a huge difference!
Important: Tickets are available online via the official GEM website or at the entrance. But no cash payments—credit card only!
| Ticket Type | Regular Admission | Guided Tour |
| Adult | EGP 1,200 ($23.71 USD) | EGP 1,700 ($33.59 USD) |
| Child (6-12 years) | EGP 600 ($11.86 USD) | EGP 850 ($16.80 USD) |
| Student (13-25 years with ID) | EGP 600 ($11.86 USD) | EGP 850 ($16.80 USD) |
How to Get from Cairo to the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is located just 2 km (1.2 miles) from the Pyramids of Giza and 20 km (12 miles) from downtown Cairo. There are a few ways to get there, but trust me—some are way easier than others!
Best Ways to Get from Cairo to GEM
- Uber – Fast, cheap, and no haggling! Expect to pay about 150 EGP ($3 USD) from downtown or 50 EGP ($2 USD) from Giza hotels.
- Taxis –Always negotiate the fare before getting in because drivers rarely use the meter. If you don’t know how to haggle, stick with Uber.
- Private Driver / Guided Tour – Many tours bundle GEM, the Pyramids, and the Sphinx into a full-day trip. Check options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
- Public Transport – You can take the metro to Cairo University or Giza Station, but you’ll need a microbus or Uber from there. This might be tricky if you don’t speak Arabic.
By late 2025, getting to GEM should be even easier with a new metro station and better links from Sphinx International Airport. I’ll update this post when that happens, but for now, Uber is still the best option!
Looking for another epic day trip from Cairo? Don’t miss my ultimate guide to Alexandria—the perfect getaway!
Top Things to See at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Wondering what to see at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)? With so many incredible exhibits—from the world’s only hanging obelisk to stunning Pyramid views—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed!
To help you make the most of your 3-Day Cairo itinerary, here’s a step-by-step guide to the top things to do and see at GEM, listed in the order you’ll encounter them as you walk in.
1. Admire the Hanging Obelisk
Before you even walk through the doors, GEM surprises you with something you won’t find anywhere else—the world’s first and only hanging obelisk.
Originally from Tanis, this giant structure is suspended above the ground, so you can actually look up and see the inscriptions from below—something you can’t do with any other obelisk!
And the entrance? It’s stunning. You’ll walk through a space inspired by the Pyramids of Giza, with triangular glass panels and pyramid-shaped paving stones. They really thought of everything!
2. Meet Ramses II in the Grand Hall
The moment you step inside, you’ll come face to face with Ramses II—a massive 11-meter statue that makes it clear just how important this guy was. You’ll hear his name a lot during your trip to Egypt, and after seeing this statue, you definitely won’t forget him!
And here’s something that totally blew my mind: Twice a year, the sun aligns perfectly to light up his face—on his birthday and coronation day. I have no idea how the ancient Egyptians managed that, but it’s seriously impressive!
You Might Also Like: Ultimate Guide to Khan El Khalili Bazaar – Cairo’s Most Famous Market!
3. Walk (or Ride!) Up the Grand Staircase
This isn’t just a staircase—it’s a walk through Egypt’s history. As you make your way up, you’ll be surrounded by over 60 statues of legendary rulers and gods, including:
- Hatshepsut – Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh.
- Thutmose III – The warrior king.
- Akhenaten – The pharaoh who tried to change Egyptian religion.
- Ramses II – Again—because he’s everywhere!
If you’re not feeling a six-story climb, don’t worry—there’s a moving walkway, so you can glide up and still take it all in. Whether you walk or ride, this staircase is easily one of the top things to see at the Grand Egyptian Museum!
4. Take in the Best View of the Pyramids
One of my top reasons to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the incredible view of the Pyramids of Giza from the top of the Grand Staircase. At just 2 km away, it’s easily one of the best photo spots in Cairo—even better than most luxury hotel views!
Traveling Egypt solo? No worries—I’ve got you! Check out my ultimate guide on how to take amazing travel photos alone.
Did you know? A direct avenue from GEM to the Pyramids is in the works, making it even easier to visit both must-see Cairo attractions in one trip. Can’t wait for this—it’s going to be amazing!
5. Explore the Main Galleries
Unlike most museums in Cairo, visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum doesn’t feel overwhelming—it’s huge but super organized, making it easy to take in 5,000 years of history without getting lost.
Right now, there are 12 main galleries, split into four time periods, with each floor dedicated to a different era. Inside, you’ll find three main themes:
- Society – Daily life, fashion, tools, and trade
- Kingship – Pharaohs and their royal artifacts
- Beliefs – Gods, temples, and the afterlife
My favorite part? Realizing how much ancient Egyptians were just like us! They loved fashion, makeup, and jewelry—things you can see up close here. It’s wild to think how little some things have changed!
How to Visit the GEM Like a Pro
Not sure how to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo? No worries—you’ve got options! Just pick what works best for you:
- Pick a theme – Obsessed with pharaohs? Daily life? Mythology? Follow your favorite topic across the different floors.
- Follow a time period – Prefer a timeline? Each level covers a different era, so you can explore Egypt’s history step by step.
- Go with the flow – No plan? No problem! The galleries are clearly labeled in English, Arabic, and Braille, so you won’t get lost. I’d suggest walking all the way up, then making your way down through the exhibits.
One thing to know before visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025 is that there are no paper guides, and exhibit descriptions are pretty basic (at least for me!).
I didn’t notice at first since I had a guide, but if you’re exploring solo, you’ll need to scan QR codes for a digital guide. Just make sure you have internet before scanning, or you might be out of luck!
| Time Period | Galleries | What You’ll See |
| c. 700,000 – 2034 BC | 1 (Society), 2 (Kingship), 3 (Beliefs) | Prehistoric, Predynastic, Early Dynastic, Old Kingdom & First Intermediate Period |
| c. 2034 – 1550 BC | 4 (Society), 5 (Kingship), 6 (Beliefs) | Middle Kingdom & Second Intermediate Period |
| c. 1550 – 1069 BC | 7 (Society), 8 (Kingship), 9 (Beliefs) | New Kingdom (Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Hatshepsut & Akhenaten) |
| c. 1069 BC – 394 AD | 10 (Society), 11 (Kingship), 12 (Beliefs) | Third Intermediate, Late Period & Greco-Roman Period |
6. Go Shopping at GEM’s Souvenir Shops
After exploring the galleries, it’s time to shop! Unlike most Cairo museums, the Grand Egyptian Museum has fantastic stores, from local jewelry brands to luxury Okhtein handbags.
My favorite? The GEM gift shop! I know, museum shops can be overpriced and disappointing, but this one? It’s easily one of the best I’ve seen!
Yeah, prices are higher than the street markets, but you’re getting authentic, high-quality Egyptian souvenirs without the stress of bargaining. No cheap, mass-produced pyramids here!
Honestly? I wish I’d bought more. GEM was my first stop in Egypt, and I figured I’d find better deals later. Instead, I wasted way too much time haggling and dodging pushy vendors. If I could do it again, I’d grab my souvenirs here first and save myself the hassle!
Looking for more shopping in Cairo? Check out my guide to Bazaar Khan el-Khalili!
7. Try Egyptian Coffee at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Need a break? Right next to the shops and Ramses II statue, you’ll find several cafés and restaurants—the perfect spot to grab a coffee or a snack before visiting the Giza Pyramids.
Here’s where you can eat at the Grand Egyptian Museum:
- Zooba – A modern take on Egyptian street food.
- 30 North – Stylish café serving top-quality coffee.
- Ladurée – French macarons and pastries in the heart of Cairo.
- Beano’s & Starbucks – Classic coffee shop favorites.
- Dolato – The perfect stop for an ice cream break.
- Bittersweet – A mix of café and restaurant.
I went for Egyptian coffee, and while it was a bit pricey for Egypt, it was surprisingly affordable for a museum café. Plus, I desperately needed the caffeine—so honestly, I would’ve paid twice as much!
8. Visit the Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling Egypt with kids, the Children’s Museum at GEM is a must-do in Cairo! Designed for ages 6–12, this interactive space makes Ancient Egypt fun, engaging, and hands-on.
And the best part? You can actually drop them off with trained staff while you explore the main museum stress-free.
Here are some fun things for kids at the Grand Egyptian Museum:
- Dig for artifacts in a mini excavation site.
- Solve a pyramid puzzle and learn how they were built.
- Sit on King Tut’s throne and feel like a real pharaoh.
- Play games, do crafts, and explore interactive exhibits on Ancient Egypt.
Bonus Tip: The Children’s Museum needs a separate ticket, which you can grab with general admission or as part of a guided tour, either online or in person.
9. Discover the Tutankhamun Galleries (Opening July 2025!)
If there’s one reason you should visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo when it fully opens in 2025, this is it! For the first time ever, all 5,000+ treasures from King Tut’s tomb will be displayed exactly as they were found in 1922.
Here’s what you’ll get to see:
- His iconic golden mask (yes, the real one!)
- Golden chariots, weapons, and jewelry fit for a king
- His burial beds and sarcophagi, arranged just like they were in his tomb
Unlike the old Egyptian Museum, where everything was crammed into tiny cases, this exhibit is designed to feel like you’re stepping inside his tomb. When it finally opens to the public on July 3, 2025, it’s going to be one of the top things to do in Cairo!
Want to see royal mummies? You won’t find them at GEM, but don’t worry—just head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat!
10. Explore the Khufu’s Boats Museum (Opening July 2025!)
Finally, one of the most exciting things to see at the Grand Egyptian Museum is almost here—Khufu’s Solar Boat! This 4,500-year-old wooden vessel was buried next to the Great Pyramid, meant to carry Pharaoh Khufu into the afterlife.
Even if boats aren’t usually your thing, this one is different. It’s one of the oldest and largest wooden ships ever discovered—older than most civilizations!
It wasn’t on display yet when I visited, but that just gives me one more reason to go back. I have to see this in person!
Where to Stay Near the Grand Egyptian Museum
Before booking your stay, here’s something to keep in mind—the Grand Egyptian Museum isn’t in central Cairo, it’s in Giza, right next to the Pyramids.
If you’re staying 3 days in Cairo, I highly recommend staying near the pyramids. Cairo’s traffic is no joke, and trust me—you’ll want to be one of the first visitors there in the morning. (Check out my must-know tips for visiting the Pyramids of Giza!)
Now, I’ll be honest—Giza isn’t the most exciting area to stay in Cairo. Once you’ve seen the pyramids, there’s not much else to do, and you might prefer somewhere livelier. But waking up to a direct view of the pyramids? Totally worth it!
Best Hotels Near GEM & the Pyramids
If you do decide to stay in Giza, here are the top places to stay near the Grand Egyptian Museum, no matter your budget:
- Marriott Mena House – The ultimate luxury stay with unbeatable pyramid views.
- House of Kheops – Stylish, cozy, and well-designed.
- Jacuzzi Studio (Airbnb) – A private jacuzzi with pyramid views? Yes, please!
- Great Pyramid Duo (Airbnb) – Comfy apartment with insane views.
- Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo – Modern, mid-range, and super convenient.
- Pyramids Inn – Budget-friendly with a boutique feel.
- Nine Pyramids View Hotel – Simple, but the views make up for it.
- Great Pyramid Inn – Basic but well-located with friendly service.
Rather stay somewhere with more to do? Check out my guide on the best areas to stay in Cairo—whether you want nightlife, history, or a central location, there’s a perfect spot for you!
Extra Tips for Visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Beyond everything we’ve already covered, here are a few insider tips I wish I had known before visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM):
- Get a guide – Whether you book a private guide, a GetYourGuide tour, or the 90-minute GEM tour, having someone explain what you’re seeing makes a huge difference.
- It’s freezing inside in winter – If you’re visiting in December or January, definitely bring an extra layer! It’s way colder inside than outside.
- It takes longer than you think – I usually go through museums quickly, but even then, I spent almost three hours here. Once the full museum opens in July 2025, you could easily spend half a day exploring.
- The staff is fantastic – Everyone, from guides to security and janitors, was super helpful and professional.
- Parking is available for a fee – If you’re driving, there’s on-site parking.
- No outside food or drinks – But don’t worry, GEM has great restaurants and cafés inside (we’ve covered those earlier!).
- Photography rules – You can take photos and videos with your phone, but no tripods, selfie sticks, or professional cameras. If you bring one, you’ll have to leave it (for free) at the security office.
- Bathrooms are spotless – They’re constantly cleaned, which was a nice surprise!
I hope these extra tips help make your visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum even better! Not sure what to do next? Check out my complete 3-day Cairo itinerary for more amazing experiences!
FAQs About Visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum
As we wrap up this Grand Egyptian Museum guide, here are answers to some common questions to help you plan your visit!
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts from Ancient Egypt, including King Tut’s entire treasure collection. Its modern design, immersive exhibits, and location near the Pyramids of Giza make it one of the top museums in Cairo.
GEM is fully opening on July 3, 2025, with the Tutankhamun Galleries and Khufu’s Solar Boat unveiling. However, since October 2024, visitors can already explore the Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, and 12 galleries—so you don’t have to wait to see most of the museum!
Yes! GEM is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, covering 500,000 square meters. While the Louvre has more exhibition space overall, GEM holds the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including never-before-seen pieces.
As of February 2025, Grand Egyptian Museum tickets cost EGP 1,200 ($24 USD) for foreign visitors, EGP 600 ($12 USD) for students and kids, and EGP 1,700 ($34 USD) for a 90-minute guided tour. Prices may change, so be sure to check the official GEM website.
You’ll need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, and current galleries. Once King Tut’s treasures and Khufu’s Solar Boat open in July 2025, you could easily spend half a day or more at this must-visit attraction in Cairo!
Final Thoughts: Is the Grand Egyptian Museum Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is one of the top things to do in Cairo and a must-see for anyone visiting Egypt. With stunning design, immersive exhibits, and the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
I hope this Grand Egyptian Museum guide helps you plan your visit and gets you excited to explore this incredible museum in Cairo! With most of it already open and the full opening set for July 2025, now is the perfect time to go.
Got questions about visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!
Other Egypt Travel Guides You Might Enjoy:
- 10 Stunning Mosques in Egypt You Can’t Miss!
- Exploring Khan el-Khalili: Cairo’s Most Famous Bazaar
- 10 Unique Things to Do in Cairo – Hidden Gems & Local Secrets
- The Ultimate Guide to Coptic Cairo: History, Churches & Hidden Gems
- Visiting the Pyramids of Giza: Everything You Need to Know
- Cairo to Alexandria: The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Cairo: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods
- Perfect 3-Day Cairo Itinerary – Pyramids, Bazaars & More
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I came here 2 weeks ago. It was really cool, but very crowded too.
I am dyyyying to visit the new museum! This is so thorough, thank you.
This looks so amazing. I would definitely take time to visit the museum.
Wow, this looks incredible. Thanks for the update. Definitely somewhere I’d like to visit – and those views of the Pyramids of Giza from the top of the Grand Staircase – STUNNING!!
Wow! I really can’t wait to see this place! Thanks for sharing.