The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza - What to See & Why to Visit

If you are planning a holiday in Egypt and wondering what attractions are worth seeing besides the pyramids in Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) should be at the top of your list. It is one of the most modern museums in the world and at the same time the largest museum devoted to a single civilisation - ancient Egypt.

Located right next to the pyramids in Giza, the museum is a unique place where history thousands of years old meets modern technology and spectacular architecture.

The Grand Egyptian Museum - GEM

The museum opened on 1 November 2025. It stands in Giza, between the pyramids and Cairo, about 2 km from the pyramids - built close to them so that it is easier and more convenient for tourists to visit the Great Pyramids and the Grand Museum on the same day. The museum holds more than 100,000 artefacts, some of them over 5,000 years old. It displays, among other things, the complete burial equipment of Tutankhamun and Hetepheres I, as well as the solar boats of Cheops.

Why is the Grand Egyptian Museum so special?

The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the most important cultural projects of the 21st century. The complex covers an area of about 500,000 square metres, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world devoted to a single culture.

The museum was created to protect and present the priceless treasures of ancient Egypt in a modern and attractive way. Construction began in 2012, and from the very start the project was carried out in cooperation with international experts.

The estimated cost of building and creating the museum was 1 billion USD. Its architecture combines ancient and modern elements. Among the most striking features is the monumental entrance hall, where visitors are greeted by an 11-metre statue of Ramesses the Great weighing 83 tonnes. A wide staircase about 20 m high, decorated with statues of pharaohs, sarcophagi and reliefs, leads up to the exhibition halls. From the upper level there is a perfectly framed view of the pyramids in Giza.

More than 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts

The museum holds more than 100,000 exhibits, presenting the history of Egypt from prehistoric times to the Greco-Roman period. Visiting it is like a journey through thousands of years of history - from the first human settlements to the times of the pharaohs. The exhibitions are arranged chronologically, so visitors can easily understand the development of one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

The treasures of Tutankhamun - the greatest attraction of the museum

The greatest attraction of the Grand Egyptian Museum is the complete collection of the treasures of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. For the first time in history, all the items found in the tomb of the young pharaoh have been presented in one place.

Visitors can see, among other things:

• the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun
• richly decorated sarcophagi
• the royal throne
• jewellery and amulets
• everyday objects of the pharaoh

It is a unique opportunity to see one of the most fascinating archaeological collections in the world.

The monumental statue of Ramesses II - a symbol of the power of the pharaohs

Right at the entrance, visitors are greeted by the impressive, gigantic statue of the pharaoh Ramesses II. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of the museum and a perfect place for photographs.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is not a typical museum. The exhibitions use interactive multimedia presentations, audiovisual projections and modern lighting systems, which makes the history of ancient Egypt more understandable and engaging for visitors.

The museum grounds also include:

• research centres
• modern conservation laboratories
• an education centre
• a museum for children
• restaurants and cafes with views of the pyramids

The architectural design of the museum is inspired by the geometry of the pyramids, so that visitors can admire the panorama of the pyramids in Giza. The museum also uses ecological solutions, such as energy- and water-saving systems.

Is the Grand Egyptian Museum worth visiting during a holiday in Egypt?

Definitely yes. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a must on the programme of every tourist visiting Cairo and Giza. It helps you better understand the history of Egypt and see artefacts that were not accessible to visitors for many years. A visit perfectly complements a tour of the pyramids and is one of the most unforgettable experiences during a trip to Egypt.

Practical information for tourists

📍 Location: Giza, near the pyramids
⏳ Visiting time: about 2-4 hours
📸 An ideal place for photos and learning the history of Egypt
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 An attraction suitable for adults and children

Summary

The Grand Egyptian Museum is a modern gateway to the world of ancient Egypt. It combines history, culture and modern technology, offering tourists a unique experience. If you are planning a holiday in Egypt, this is a place you cannot miss.