A very late opening
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) fully opened in November 2025 after 20 years of construction at a cost of 1 billion USD. It replaces the historic Tahrir Museum (built 1902), which was overcrowded and cramped with a million artefacts. GEM sits just 2 km from the Giza pyramids, spanning 500 000 square metres — the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation.
Tutankhamun's complete collection for the first time
For the first time since Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in 1922, the complete collection is displayed together: 5 400 pieces, including the famous gold mask, the funerary bed, the golden throne, and the four nested golden shrines. Previously divided between the Tahrir Museum and others. Now complete in a single large hall.
Other contents
Ramses II's obelisk (11 m) at the entrance — historically at Cairo's Ramses base, moved in 2018. The Great Ramses statue (13 m, 83 tonnes) in the main hall — which was at Cairo's train station for decades. The Dynasty Row: from Pharaoh Menes (1st Dynasty, 3100 BCE) to Cleopatra VII (30 BCE). A Children's Hall teaches Egyptian history to kids.
Prices and visit
General ticket price: 1 200 EGP for foreigners, 400 for Egyptians, 600 for foreign students. Tutankhamun collection included. Open 8:30–18:00 (last entry 16:30). Best time: 8:30 am right at opening to avoid crowds. Allow a full day — the museum is too big for a quick tour. Good on-site restaurants.
Getting there
From central Cairo: Metro Line 3 to Rod El-Farag station (5 stops, 20 min), then Uber to GEM (10 min, 50 EGP). Or direct taxi from central Cairo (200–300 EGP, 45 min). From Cairo Airport: Uber 400 EGP, 30 min. Tourist bus from main hotels 200 EGP per person.
Pyramids + GEM in one day
Perfect combination: 7 am for the pyramids (moderate sun, few crowds), 12 pm lunch (next to GEM at the Chief restaurant), 1–6 pm GEM. The best arrangement for everything Egyptian in one day. Bring a hat, water, comfortable shoes — you'll walk 10 km a day.