After a two-decade-long waiting game, a new chapter in Egypt’s story is finally unfolding. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will officially open its doors to the public on November 1, 2025.
It’s been a long and bumpy road from capstone to edifice, but now this monumental project is ready for its moment in the sun. As the world’s largest archaeological museum complex dedicated to a single civilisation, GEM is set to be a game-changer for art, history, Egyptology, travel lovers and the future of Egypt’s tourism sector.
Ancient history finds a modern home
Perched just two kilometres from the timeless Giza Pyramids, the GEM is a stunning, ultra-modern building that blends seamlessly with the site’s topography. Designed by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng, its fan-like structure and geometric walls beautifully echo the pyramids nearby.
As you wander through the grounds, you’ll be serenaded along a meandering path designed by the Danish firm West 8, inspired by the journey of the River Nile itself. This isn't just a museum; it's a bold statement of art that bridges thousands of years of Egypt’s historical legacy with a cool, modern aesthetic.
What to expect at GEM
Prepare to be awestruck. In the Grand Atrium, a bold encounter awaits with the mighty Pharaoh Ramses II. This 30-foot, 83-ton statue is a stunning 3,200-year-old sentinel and was the first artifact to make its new home at the museum.
Journey inside and you’ll discover an unprecedented collection of 100,000 artifacts spread across 24 galleries. These exhibits narrate a tapestry of stories spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history. One of the most anticipated highlights is the first-ever public display of King Tut’s complete treasure collection. You’ll also see the restored Khufu Funerary Boat and a grand six-storey staircase that takes you on a journey through Egyptian royalty, pharaohs, gods and the afterlife.
More than a museum
The GEM features top-tier research and conservation centres, restoration labs, and innovative educational programmes designed to take visitors deeper into the heart and soul of ancient and modern Egyptian history than any history books ever could.
As Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, the CEO of GEM, said, "GEM is a great gift combining the past and the future." It is a place where you witness the collision of history and technology, making ancient jewels more immersive than ever. It truly is a museum of museums, a hub where science, heritage, culture and learning come alive.
With its vast galleries, stunning gardens and one-of-a-kind views of the Giza Pyramids, the GEM is a must-see for anyone who wholeheartedly indulges in art, travel and history. There’s also a spot to grab a bite at GEM’s cafes or restaurants, and no museum trip is complete without swinging by the gift shop at the end.
Visit: visit-gem.com
Sneha is a renaissance gal with a passion for all things classic and contemporary. A lover of writing, art, luxury and film, she finds joy in museums, immersive experiences, and creating art with words. When she's not romanticizing life on Pinterest or in real life, you'll find her sipping chai by the waters with a cat on her lap.
