Tutankhamun’s new billion dollar home is now open in Cairo
It’s been a long time coming, but the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo is now open… sort of.
Image courtesy of Grand Egyptian Museum
Located just outside Cairo, roughly two kilometres north of the Great Pyramids of Giza, it’s the ultimate destination for anyone fascinated by the wonders of ancient Egypt.
The GEM spans a 50-hectare site, with 90,000 square metres dedicated to exhibitions and visitor facilities, making it one of the largest museum complexes in the world – and a fitting tribute to the grandeur of ancient Egypt.
Construction of this astonishing museum started in 2005, and it finally – partially – opened to the public in October 2024.
However key exhibits remain closed until the official opening, which still hasn’t been formally announced, but is anticipated to occur in early 2025.
Everyone’s particularly excited about the Tutankhamun galleries, which will showcase the complete Tutankhamun collection for the first time ever. All 5,000 objects from the boy king’s tomb are going to be displayed, including the iconic golden funerary mask, exquisite jewellery, and chariots actually used during Tutankhamun’s lifetime. Yep, vehicles that are approximately 3,300 years old. They make my 2005 Honda CRV sound positively brand new.
Beyond Tutankhamun, the museum will also showcase intricately painted sarcophagi, ancient papyri, and other items spanning more than 3,000 years of Egyptian history – in total, a staggering 100,000 artefacts.
A colossal, 12-metre-high statue of Pharaoh Rameses II greets visitors to the Grand Hall. The Grand Staircase leads from here. It’s six storeys high and offers panoramic views of Egypt’s famous pyramids, beautifully connecting the ancient world with the present. The billion dollar museum is also a masterpiece of modern architecture, and its striking triangular façade echoes the geometry of these ancient monuments.
The Great Pyramid of Giza may be the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, but it looks like the Grand Egyptian Museum is set to be a true modern wonder.
It’s simply unmissable.
For the most current information on opening dates and available exhibits, consult the GEM’s official website.
Latest update, April 2025
The Giza Plateau is the area of the Pyramids, some 40 minutes drive from Cairo. It’s undergoing extensive work and an impressive transformation. It’s all focused on prioritising organisation and sustainability to ensure a modern, enhanced visitor experience. Now that’s a mouthful – but let’s take a look at what it means in reality based on the current trial phase.
We all know Giza gets mega busy. So in a bid to resolve the persistent congestion and environmental issues, the traditional Marriott Mena House entrance will be closed. A newly built entrance on the Farouk Highway will guide visitors to a large parking area for cars and buses. From here, visitors walk through a dedicated Visitor Centre where there’s an introduction to the history of pyramids, displaying replicas of construction tools and artefacts from the time of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
Once inside the plateau, only groups of 25 people and more will be allowed to use their own vehicles. Others will be provided with electric and petrol vehicles to use during the visit with the intension to phase out petrol vehicles any the beginning of the season, October latest.
This hop on hop off service takes in seven themed stations where there’s historical insights and amenities such as cafes and local shops. Animal welfare has also become a key focus (thank goodness). There are new regulations in place to protect camels and horses – owners and operators must look after their animals and utilise designated shelter and water areas.There’s also an established veterinary clinic to ensure animal health and tourist safety. Golf carts and an exclusive lodge with food and beverages offerings are also provided at an extra charge to accommodate VIP private visits.
Perhaps the best news is the automated ticketing machines that have been installed to reduce ticket line congestion, particular during peak hours.