The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is just minutes from the iconic Giza Pyramids, is set to transform the way the world engages with ancient Egypt. It was built on a 50-hectare site with direct sightlines to Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, as if it were the fourth pyramid.
The Grand Egyptian Museum will be the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. It is more than a repository of artifacts, but more of a bridge between Egypt’s timeless past and its cultural future, positioning Cairo as one of the leading capitals of world heritage tourism.
How to Visit the GEM During the Trial Phase?
Although the official inauguration has been rescheduled to late 2025, on the first of November, GEM is already open to visitors through a limited-access “Trial Phase“. Guests can explore most of the museum’s core galleries, view special exhibitions, and experience the architectural highlights that define the site. The full opening will include the complete Tutankhamun galleries, where all 5,400 artifacts associated with the boy king will be displayed together for the first time.
Tickets are sold exclusively through the official website of the museum, but the majority visit the museum through booking with a trusted travel agency or as part of a Grand Egyptian Museum tour. The museum also offers extended visiting hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it easier to integrate GEM into a Cairo itinerary.
Top Highlights of the GEM Every Visitor Must See
Here are some of the key highlights visitors can experience at the Grand Egyptian Museum:
- The Grand Hall – Ramses II Colossus: A monumental 30-foot statue of Ramses II dominates the atrium, immediately setting the tone for the museum’s scale and ambition.
- The Hanging Obelisk: A world-first engineering achievement allows visitors to walk beneath a suspended obelisk of Ramses II, revealing inscriptions at its base.
- The Grand Staircase: A procession of statues arranged chronologically leads visitors upward through history, aligned with breathtaking views of the pyramids.
- Tutankhamun in Full: Upon the official opening, GEM will house the entire Tutankhamun collection, offering an unprecedented opportunity to view his treasures in one place.
- Khufu’s Solar Boat: The 4,600-year-old cedar vessel, relocated in 2021, will be displayed in a custom-built hall, illuminating the rituals and technology of the Old Kingdom.
- Architecture and Conservation: Designed by Heneghan Peng with Arup and Buro Happold, GEM features an 800-meter translucent stone wall and advanced conservation facilities, making it a global hub for research as well as a visitor attraction.
Reshaping Cairo’s Role in Tourism
Historically, many visitors spent only one night in Cairo before traveling south to Luxor or Aswan. With the pyramids, the Sphinx, and GEM all concentrated within one cultural hub, Cairo now has the capacity to hold travelers for several days, strengthening its role as a destination in itself.
Egypt received 15.7–15.8 million visitors in 2024 and continued to see growth in 2025. GEM is expected to build on this momentum up to more than 25 million visitors in 2026, attracting first-time visitors and drawing repeat travelers eager to witness its official opening.
The Egyptian government’s vision of welcoming 30 million annual visitors by the early 2030s is supported by major infrastructure upgrades. These include transport improvements at Giza, electric shuttle buses, a redesigned visitor center, and expanded capacity at both Cairo International Airport and the new Sphinx International Airport.
Boosting Economy and Infrastructure
Tourism contributed approximately 8.5 percent of Egypt’s GDP in 2024, and GEM is expected to boost this further by extending the average length of stay and increasing per-visitor spending.
By clustering high-value attractions within a compact area, Cairo strengthens its position as a cultural capital comparable to Paris, Rome, and Athens.
Implications for Travelers and the Industry
For travelers, GEM provides an unparalleled opportunity to see the entire sweep of ancient Egyptian history in one visit, from prehistoric artifacts to the treasures of Tutankhamun, followed immediately by the experience of standing before the pyramids themselves.
For the travel industry, GEM creates new opportunities for premium experiences, including private tours, after-hours access, Egyptologist-led programs, and behind-the-scenes conservation visits. It also encourages longer Cairo stays and helps distribute demand more evenly throughout the year, supporting the development of sustainable tourism.
Visitor Tips and Practical Advice
- Book tickets through an authorized and top-rated travel agency.
- Plan time for the Grand Hall, Hanging Obelisk, Grand Staircase, and current thematic galleries.
- Save the Tutankhamun galleries for the official inauguration in late 2025.
- Pair a museum visit with the Giza Plateau, using the new visitor center and electric shuttles for convenience.
- Personal photography is permitted, but flash, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, and livestreaming are prohibited.
- Witness the sight of Divine Miracles at the Gem
As anticipation builds toward the official inauguration, GEM already stands as a must-visit destination, a place where ancient wonders meet modern innovation, and where history is reimagined for the future.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is not simply a new cultural landmark but a powerful statement of Egypt’s pride and vision for the future. For visitors, it offers the rare chance to experience humanity’s oldest continuous civilization in a single, immersive journey. For Egypt, it cements Cairo’s role as a global cultural capital, reshaping tourism flows, generating economic growth, and setting the stage for a new golden era in world heritage travel.
