Few places on earth manage to feel ancient and futuristic at the same time, but the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) pulls it off with jaw-dropping confidence. Sitting just two kilometres from the Giza Pyramids, this long-awaited cultural landmark isn’t just another museum. It is Egypt telling its own story, on its own terms, and on an epic scale.
Arriving at the museum along the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road, the building reveals itself gradually, rising from the sand like a modern mirage. Designed to mirror the geometry and colour palette of the surrounding desert, the structure is a striking trifecta of glass, stone and sharp angles, with sightlines deliberately aligned to the pyramids themselves. Far from accidental, the architecture sets the tone reminding visitors that the past and present are in constant dialogue here.
A grand entrance worthy of Pharaohs
Stepping inside, you’re instantly wowed by the immense light-filled atrium that dwarfs all expectations. Dominating the space is the colossal statue of Ramesses II, standing majestically tall and immaculately restored, as if welcoming guests into his kingdom. It’s an arresting first moment, the kind that silences conversation and demands attention.
From here, the journey unfolds organically. The Grand Staircase draws you upward, flanked by monumental sculptures, carved columns and ancient relics that chart Egypt’s civilisational arc. Rather than overwhelming, the design gently guides you through time, with each level revealing a new chapter, like turning a page in history – gentle, immersive, and full of wonder.
Egypt, told properly
From the Grand Staircase, you’ll proceed to the museum’s 12 permanent galleries. Arranged chronologically and thematically, the painstakingly curated galleries will take you from the earliest prehistoric settlements through the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, and onwards into Greco-Roman Egypt.
The storytelling is confident and clear, cleverly balancing academic depth with accessible explanations, making it just as compelling for first-timers as for seasoned Egyptologists.
Displays are spacious and thoughtfully lit, allowing intricate details like hieroglyphs, jewellery, and delicate funerary objects to shine without distraction. High-tech multimedia elements enhance rather than dominate, adding context while keeping the artefacts firmly centre stage.
The crown jewel
The undisputed highlight at the GEM is of course the Tutankhamun Galleries, where, for the very first time , the entire collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures is displayed together. More than 5,000 objects, from the iconic golden death mask to personal items such as sandals and gaming boards, are arranged to tell the story of the boy king’s life, death and enduring legacy.
This section alone can take up to 90 minutes, and rightly so. It is immersive, emotional and meticulously curated, offering a rare intimacy with one of history’s most famous figures. Due to crowds, be sure you allocate enough time to properly go through this section of the GEM.
Boats, gardens and space to breathe
Beyond the galleries, the Khufu Solar Boat Museum houses one of the world’s oldest surviving ships, discovered beside the Great Pyramid and painstakingly reconstructed. Seeing it suspended in its dedicated hall offers a powerful reminder of the ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about the afterlife and the journey beyond.
Scattered throughout the spacious complex you’ll find restaurants and cafés where you can pause between galleries for artisan coffee, Egyptian favourites, fresh pastries and even Italian-style gelato, with options ranging from local gems like Zooba, Bitter Sweet and Beano’s Café to familiar treats at Ladurée and Starbucks, and panoramic dining terraces that look out towards the pyramids.
Opposite these eateries, a well-stocked food court and convenience mart keep hunger at bay, while the retail experience rivals the collections themselves. The GEM Shop and boutiques offer museum-quality souvenirs, beautifully crafted jewellery, design pieces inspired by ancient Egypt, handcrafted rugs, fashion accessories and keepsake books that make perfect gifts and mementos of your journey through time. Beyond food and shopping, modern visitor amenities including ATMs, free lockers, charging stations, prayer rooms, rest areas, accessible paths and information desks ensure practicalities never get in the way of wonder, and future additions like a library, cinema and co-working space promise even more to explore.
Outside, landscaped gardens and shaded terraces provide moments of calm, and spectacular views back towards the pyramids. It’s a clever pause in the experience, allowing visitors to process what they’ve seen before diving back in or heading out.
How to do it right
To do the Grand Egyptian Museum justice, allow at least four hours to go through each gallery without rushing, but six hours if you really want to properly take it all in. History lovers like us could easily spend an entire day here. We recommend arriving early to not only avoid crowds, but to experience the warm natural light pouring through the atrium.
To ensure entry at your preferred time, tickets should be booked online in advance via the official Grand Egyptian Museum website, according to the timed entry slots. For foreign visitors, general entry tickets are currently EGP 1450 or around USD 29 for adults and EGP 730 or roughly USD 15 for children or students. Guided tours are EGP 1950 or around USD 39 for adults and EGP 980 or just under USD 20 for children and students. Children under six and visitors with disabilities are admitted free. Prices may change, so checking ahead is essential.
Comfortable footwear is highly recommended as this is a big museum, and while the galleries are all on the same level, you will be on your feet for a fair few hours. Note, photography is generally permitted without flash, and touching any of the exposed displays is a strict no-no. Security is peppered throughout the museum to ensure compliance, so families should keep watch of their young children at all times.
Why visit the GEM?
So what makes the GEM extraordinary isn’t just its newness, size or its incredible collection. It’s much more and deeply meaningful. It is the confidence with which Egypt reclaims and reframes its narrative. Make no mistake. This is not a dusty archive of relics on display. It is very much a living, breathing tribute to one of the world’s most fascinating and influential civilisations. For travellers, it is an essential stop in Cairo. And for culture lovers, it is a once-in-a-generation museum experience.
Pro tips for first-time visitors to Egypt
Visiting Egypt for the first time can feel exhilarating and intense in equal measure. As such, preparation will make all the difference. Plan key attractions in advance, especially major sites like the Grand Egyptian Museum, the pyramids and popular temples, as timed entry and security checks are now standard. Early mornings are best, as sites are quieter, cooler and more atmospheric before the crowds and midday heat sets in.
Dress modestly and practically, and use masks if you’re sensitive to heavy air pollution (it can get pretty hazy most days). Lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated at cultural sites, and a scarf is useful for sun, wind and etiquette. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as ancient stones and modern pavements can be unforgiving.
While cards are widely accepted, cash remains king in many places, especially for tips and small purchases, so carry small denominations of Egyptian pounds. At the same time, your experience will largely be made better with licensed guides, such as Travelanco, and official transport where possible. This isn’t only for safety, but for a much richer context, flexibility, language and overall smoother experience.
Finally, embrace the rhythm of Egypt. Things may move vevry differently to what you’re used to, but patience, curiosity and a sense of humour go a long way. Whether you’re standing beneath the pyramids or wandering through the GEM, Egypt rewards those who slow down and let history reveal itself.
