9 min read | Published: Mar 14, 2023 | Updated: Jun 02, 2026 | TRIPS IN EGYPT

The grand Egyptian Museum is an architectural wonder and a treasure trove of heavenly immortal GEMs which come in all shapes, sizes, and colors that has the divine ability to shed light on the ancient Egyptian history and culture of the greatest civilization on earth. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the magnificent heritage of the Pharaonic civilization and become the only museum in the world that is dedicated to a single civilization.

The GEM is a perfect blend of traditional and modern styles, with sweeping curves and clean lines that create a sense of serenity, glory, and balance. It offers the legendary chance to explore the most beautiful artifacts displayed in a state of art manner and learn some of the most amazing & enriching facts. The museum is made of a gigantic structure, with its towering columns and elegant domes, where everyone will be transported to a world of wonder and amazement leading to a whole new world filled with the most dazzling monuments and artifacts.

History of the Grand Egypt Museum "GEM"

History of the Grand Egypt Museum - Trips in Egypt

The Grand Egyptian Museum started as a dream when president Hosni Mubarak in January 2002 put the stone of foundation and in 2006, a colossal statue of Ramesses II was taken from Ramses square in Cairo to the Giza plateau then in 2018, it was placed in the atrium of the museum.

In 2007, many campaigns were launched to gather funds for the GEM museum which included securing a $300 million loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation while the Egyptian government will provide $147 million while the remaining funds will be made through international organizations and donations.

In 2008 the area began to be prepared by earthmoving and tendering was completed in 2013. In 2012 the Belgian company BESIX made a joint venture with Egypt's Orascom Construction (OC) and was awarded the task for the main contractors completing phase three of the GEM for $810 million.

In 2018, Besix and Orascom were responsible for transforming the 82-ton, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II to the entrance, transporting the chariots of Tutankhamun. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening date was pushed back. At the current moment, the museum is due to open in late 2023, and there are a number of tours operating within the GEM at the current moment.

The logo of the museum was designed in 2018 by a talented Lebanese-Dutch designer and the museum exhibition was made by a German company known as "Atelier Bruckner" for 800,000 Egyptian pounds (45,000 $).

Opening Time and Ticket Prices of the Grand Egyptian Museum

The GEM museum is set to hold its grand opening in late 2023 and at the current moment, the museum offers limited access to a number of enchanting artifacts.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is opening 4-time slots available every day: 10 am — 12 pm — 2 pm — 4 pm.

The Prices of the Grand Egyptian Museum:

Egyptian Adult 150 LE.
Egyptian Child/ Student 75 LE.
Foreign Adult 1000 LE.
Foreign Child/Student 500 LE.
VIP Tickets: 2000 USD Expect Friday and Saturday.

Light Show at the GEM Prices:

For the young 2500 LE.
For Adults 4500 LE.

Location & How to Get to the GEM

The museum is located in the heart of Giza when the construction took place on 12 march 2012 and is found 2 km (1.2 miles) northwest of the golden pyramids of Giza. The distance between Cairo and Grand Egyptian Museum is 15 km.

The Architecture of the Grand Egyptian Museum

Architecture of the Grand Egyptian Museum - Trips in Egypt

The architectural design of the museum was determined by an architectural competition that was operated in 2002 during the start of January which is known to be the second biggest architectural competition in the world where 1,557 entries were received from 82 countries and 20 entries were submitted for the final phase. architects Róisín Heneghan and Shi-Fu Peng who are the founders of Heneghan Peng Architects of Ireland were awarded a prize of $250,000. Heneghan Peng Architects, Buro Happold, and Arup were responsible for the design of the museum. The company "West 8&"acted as the exhibition masterplan and was also responsible for the exhibition design, plus the museology was led by Atelier Brückner. In 2010 EHAF and Hill consulting engineers made a joint venture to offer project manaGEMent services during the times of construction and design.

The architecture of the GEM is designed to blend ancient Egyptian elements with modern technology and materials. The main building is shaped like a chamfered triangle, with a flat top and sloping sides that rise to a height of 50 meters, creating an epic backdrop for photography lovers. To experience this architectural masterpiece with a group of like-minded explorers, our Egypt Vacation Packages for Young Adults are the perfect choice to combine these futuristic cultural discoveries with the high-energy social life of Egypt. Every corner of this limestone-clad wonder, laser-cut with traditional motifs, offers a unique perspective on how history meets the future.

Inside the GEM - Famous Monuments

Inside the museum, the exhibition space is organized around a central axis that runs the length of the building. Visitors enter through a grand atrium that is illuminated by a skylight and then moves through a series of galleries that showcase the museum's collections. The galleries are designed to be spacious and light-filled, with high ceilings and large windows that offer views of the surrounding landscape. The museum has 122 museum display cases made by the Italian company "Goppion" in order to preserve the most fragile artifacts and incredible organic materials.

The museum holds more than 100,000 artifacts dating from the rich history of Egypt, some of which have never been seen on display before. Within the exhibition hall are about 18000 artifacts. All the artifacts have come from Egyptian museums and from the storages of many museums found in the cities of Luxor, Sohag, Minya, the Delta, Beni Suef, Assiut, Fayoum, and Alexandria. While seeing these treasures housed under one roof is breathtaking, the most authentic way to trace them back to their original temples and royal tombs in Upper Egypt is by booking our landmark 8 Days Egypt Tour Cairo and Nile Cruise Package, which effortlessly unifies your grand exploration of the capital and this magnificent museum with a classic multi-day luxury Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. Some of the most renowned attractions include:

Conservation Centre.
The Royal Regalia.
The Victory Column of King Mercnptah.
Solar Boat of King Khufu.
Hanging Obelisk.
10 Statues of King Senusert.
King Ramses Il Statue.
Statues of Ptolemaic King and Queen.
Grand staircase.
Grand Atrium & Gift shop.

The museum also includes a number of high-tech features, including interactive exhibits, immersive displays, a children's museum, a training center, a conference center, and workshops designed in a magical ancient Pharaonic style plus digital projections. These technologies are intended to enhance visitors' experience of the museum and to bring the ancient artifacts to life in new and exciting ways.

Tutankhamun Hall in the Grand Egyptian Museum

The main attractions of the museum include a full exhibition of the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb which is by far one of the most famous discoveries in the history of archaeology. Found on display is the famous golden mask of King Tutankhamun is probably the most well-known artifact found in the tomb that weighs 11kg (24 lbs) and is made of solid gold. His three nested coffins which are made of gold and precious stones.

The innermost coffin is made of solid gold and is one of the most beautiful and intricate pieces of ancient Egyptian art ever made. His epic throne made of wood covered in gold leaf was found in the tomb which was probably used by Tutankhamun during his lifetime. His Two legendary chariots that are made of wood, leather, and bronze were found in the tomb. On display are pieces of furniture like chairs, stools, and chests. Many of these items were covered in gold leaf and inlaid with precious stones.

There are also statues that include a life-sized statue of Tutankhamun that stands over six feet tall. There were also statues of the gods, as well as other members of the royal family. A great number of pieces of jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings that are made of gold and set with precious stones are found on display.

There are also four canopic jars made of alabaster found in the tomb. There are also bows, arrows, spears, and daggers which were made of bronze and decorated with gold and precious stones. There are also his marvelous boats that lead his way across the afterlife. A number of board games are found on display that includes Senet, which was one of the most popular games in ancient Egypt. Marveling at these personal treasures in their modern showcase naturally inspires a desire to walk the very lands where this young pharaoh once ruled, a journey seamlessly brought to life through our meticulously planned 10 days Cairo, Hurghada, and Nile cruise itinerary which bridges the golden legacy of the capital with the monumental temples of Upper Egypt, the wonders of Abu Simbel, and a relaxing retreat along the Red Sea.

Conclusion

The Grand Egyptian Museum is a living miracle that is now part of all our magical Nile River cruises and Egypt tour packages. While the GEM showcases the golden treasures of the pharaohs in a modern light, the best way to see where these legends truly began is by embarking on a 4 Days Nile Cruise from Cairo. This journey allows you to transition from the museum’s dazzling displays to the original temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, offering a complete and breathtaking Egyptian adventure.