The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally opened its doors, and it's everything Egypt lovers have been waiting for. After years of anticipation, the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization is now welcoming visitors to explore over 100,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Egyptian history.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your visit: tickets, hours, what to see, and insider tips from our 18 years of experience guiding tourists through Egypt.
The Tutankhamun Collection
For the first time in history, King Tutankhamun's complete treasure collection - over 5,000 artifacts - is displayed together in one place. Items that were previously scattered across multiple locations or never shown to the public are now accessible to visitors.
Grand Egyptian Museum Tickets & Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (EGP) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Adult | 1,200 EGP | ~$24 |
| Foreign Student | 600 EGP | ~$12 |
| Children (under 6) | Free | Free |
| Guided Tour (90 min) | From 1,700 EGP | From $35 |
| Audio Guide | ~200 EGP | ~$4 |
Pro Tip: Book Skip-the-Line
Book tickets online at visit-gem.com to select your time slot and skip ticket queues. During peak season (October-April), pre-booking is essential. Our GEM tours include skip-the-line access and expert Egyptologist guides.
Opening Hours
The Grand Egyptian Museum is open every day, including weekends and most holidays:
- Sunday - Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (extended hours)
- Thursday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (extended hours)
- Last Entry: 1 hour before closing
Best times to visit: Weekday mornings (9-10 AM) are typically quietest. Wednesday and Saturday evenings offer extended hours with fewer crowds. Avoid Friday afternoons and Egyptian holidays.
What to See at the GEM
With over 100,000 artifacts, you can't see everything in one visit. Here are the must-see highlights:
Tutankhamun Galleries
5,000+ artifacts including the gold mask, sarcophagus, thrones, and never-before-seen items
Grand Staircase
Massive Ramses II statue and the iconic museum entrance with Pyramid views
Royal Mummies
Preserved pharaohs including Ramses II and Hatshepsut
Jewelry Collection
Ancient Egyptian gold, precious stones, and royal adornments
Solar Boats
Reconstructed funerary boats from the Pyramids
Children's Museum
Interactive exhibits perfect for families
How Long Do You Need?
- Highlights only: 3-4 hours (Tutankhamun + Grand Staircase + key exhibits)
- Comprehensive visit: 4-6 hours (recommended for most visitors)
- Complete experience: 6-8 hours (for enthusiasts wanting to see everything)
- Tutankhamun galleries alone: 2-3 hours
Our recommendation: Plan for 4-6 hours. Arrive early (9 AM) to have the best experience with smaller crowds. Take breaks at the museum cafes - there are several with excellent Pyramid views!
Location & How to Get There
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located on the Giza Plateau, approximately 2km from the Pyramids of Giza.
Address: Al Remaya Square, Kafr Nassar, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Transportation Options:
- Taxi/Uber/Careem: 20-30 minutes from downtown Cairo (~$5-10)
- Private car: Arranged through your hotel or tour operator
- Tour package: Most convenient - includes transportation and guide
Combine with Pyramids
Since the GEM is only 2km from the Pyramids, combining both in one day is highly recommended. Typical itinerary: Pyramids in the morning (3-4 hours), lunch, then GEM in the afternoon (4-5 hours). Our Pyramids & GEM combo tours cover both seamlessly.
Museum Facilities
The GEM is a world-class facility with everything you need for a comfortable visit:
- Restaurants & Cafes: Multiple options with Pyramid views
- Gift Shops: High-quality souvenirs and replicas
- Wheelchair Access: Fully accessible with ramps and elevators
- Lockers: Store bags and bulky items
- Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages
- Prayer Rooms: Available for visitors
- Nursing Rooms: For families with infants
- Gardens: Beautiful outdoor areas with Pyramid panoramas
Expert Tips for Your Visit
- Book tickets online - Skip the queues and guarantee your time slot
- Arrive early - 9 AM opening is the quietest time
- Hire a guide - Context and stories make the artifacts come alive
- Wear comfortable shoes - The museum is massive, you'll walk a lot
- Bring water - Stay hydrated (available inside too)
- No flash photography - Respect the artifacts
- Don't rush Tutankhamun - This is the highlight, take your time
- Check extended hours - Wednesday and Saturday evenings are magical
- Combine with Pyramids - They're only 2km apart
- Book a tour - Skip-the-line access and expert insights