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Grand Egyptian Museum
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Landmark
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), also known as the Giza Museum, is a massive cultural landmark situated just two kilometers from the Great Pyramids of Giza. Once fully operational, it will stand as the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. The state-of-the-art building features a striking stone facade with triangular patterns, echoing the geometry of the nearby pyramids. The GEM is designed to house over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun's treasures, displayed together for the first time. A centerpiece of the museum's grand atrium is a colossal 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II. This ambitious project combines advanced conservation laboratories with interactive exhibition spaces to offer a comprehensive journey through 5,000 years of Egyptian history.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Abu Shoqaa Mosque · El Hassana Dome Protectorate · Pyramid of Djedefre
- Nearby: Giza (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a vast, modern archaeological museum complex near the Giza Pyramids. It is currently partially open; the full opening will present the world's largest collection dedicated to a single civilization.
Typical hours
GEM is currently open from 9 AM to 5 PM, last entry at 4 PM. Hours may change after full opening; check the official website for updates.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in the open galleries; certain highly sensitive exhibits may have restrictions. Wheeled devices and selfie sticks are not permitted in the museum.
Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours for the currently accessible areas. After full opening, a full day won't be enough to see everything - plan multiple visits.
Combine with
GEM is right on the access road to the Giza Pyramids, so combining with the pyramid complex is good. The Solar Boat Museum and the new solar boat exhibition halls are also nearby.
Getting there
The museum is easily reachable by taxi or tour from Cairo; it lies on the road to the pyramids. A shuttle service from the parking area to the entrance is available.
Insider tip
Book your entry tickets well in advance online, as demand is very high. Access to the grand staircase with the colossus of Ramses II is a highlight - arrive early for the first-rate photo.
Geography
Facts
- The foundation stone of the GEM was laid in early 2002.
- The museum complex covers an area of nearly 500,000 square meters.
- The statue of Ramses II in the atrium weighs approximately 83 tons.
- The museum will display more than 100,000 ancient artifacts in its galleries.
- The design was created by the Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng.
- It is located exactly 2 kilometers away from the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Grand Egyptian Museum (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) fully open yet?
Currently, there is only limited access to the outdoor areas and the Grand Staircase.
Where is the GEM located?
It is located in Giza, very close to the famous pyramids.
Will Tutankhamun's entire treasure be here?
Yes, the GEM will showcase the complete collection of over 5,000 objects for the first time.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, online booking is highly recommended for the available tours.
Are there restaurants there?
Yes, there is a commercial area with various cafes and restaurants.
Grand Egyptian Museum: where is it located?
Grand Egyptian Museum is located in Egypt.
Grand Egyptian Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Abu Shoqaa Mosque, El Hassana Dome Protectorate, Pyramid of Djedefre.
Grand Egyptian Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Grand Egyptian Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), also known as the Giza Museum, is a massive cultural landmark situated just two kilometers from the Great Pyramids of Giza.
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Nearby cities
Giza
A major city on the west bank of the Nile, globally known for the Giza Plateau.
Al Hawamdeya
A growing industrial city south of Giza, known for sugar production.
Bawiti
The main settlement of the Bahariya Oasis, famous for the Valley of the Golden Mummies.
6th of October City
A modern industrial city, named after the date of the 1973 war.
Shubra El Kheima
A highly industrialized city north of Cairo.
Qalyub
A rural yet industrialized city bordering Greater Cairo.
History & landmarks
Bahariya Oasis
The Bahariya Oasis is a lush depression in the Western Desert, famous for its hot springs and as the gateway to the White and Black Deserts.
Hanging Church
One of the oldest churches in Egypt, located in Coptic Cairo, uniquely built suspended over the gatehouse of a Roman fortress.
Cairo Opera House
The primary venue for performing arts in the Egyptian capital, located on the southern portion of Gezira Island.
Manial Palace
A historic art and history museum situated in the El Manial district of southern Cairo, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria.
Stanley Bridge
A 400-meter-long bridge in Alexandria spanning the Mediterranean Sea, known for its elegant design and night lighting.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
A modern museum in Fustat that showcases Egyptian history across all its eras, from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Nature
More places
Giza City Park
Large recreation park for families.
Giza Zoo
One of the oldest and largest zoos in Africa.
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Giza Organic Farms
Modern farming at the edge of the desert.
Saqqara Necropolis
A vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis.
Step Pyramid of Djoser
The oldest colossal stone building in Egypt, initiating the development of pyramid architecture.
Dahshur Pyramids
A royal necropolis known for the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid built by Pharaoh Sneferu.
6th of October Industrial City
A major industrial hub west of Cairo, featuring food and automotive industries.
Giza Pyramid Complex
Egypt's most famous pyramids, built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.