The GEM is the world’s largest museum of antiquities

When I first heard of the concept of the Grand Egyptian Museum (or GEM) several years ago, it sounded like an impossible feat — to create the world’s largest antiquities museum, with 100,000 artifacts, on a site near the Pyramids of Giza. Construction began in 2005, but with years of political instability, the museum wasn’t completed until 2023. I visited the GEM in June 2025, and then, the opening was being planned for July, then delayed again until the fall. At the moment, it’s set for November 1, 2025, and after spending time there, I can honestly say it’s worth a trip to Egypt, especially for the King Tut Galleries and Khufu’s Boats Museum.

Whereas the original Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo feels like walking into a beloved, dusty movie set, the new Grand Egyptian Museum is breathtakingly modern, with high ceilings, an open design and ancient monuments at every turn. Visitors entering the Grand Hall are greeted by a 36-foot tall Colossal Statue of Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most famous and powerful rulers. This 3,200 year old statue was discovered in 1820, broken into six pieces, at Mit Rahina near ancient Memphis, where it lay for several decades.

I spent five hours in the museum, and it wasn’t enough. According to some estimates, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is expected to significantly increase tourism in Egypt, with a projected 30-40 per cent increase in tourism and is expected to help the country reach a target of 18 million tourists by the end of 2025, up from 15.7 million in 2024. Plan ahead and consider joining a group tour or day trip to facilitate access. It’s going to be busy!

A sneak peek of the exhibits: some of my favourite photographs

Walking up the Grand Staircase is a slow journey, with 60 ancient monuments and colossal seated statues of pharaohs, including 10 statues of Sensuret I, the Thutmosides and Ramessides and a colossal head of Akhenaten. For those who prefer to ride up, there is an escalator that runs the full length of the Grand Staircase. Arriving at the top of the staircase, visitors are rewarded with a stunning view of the Giza Pyramids. The 12 galleries are divided into four broad time periods and three different themes: Society, Kingship and Beliefs, exploring the history of Egypt from around 700,000 B.C. until 394 AD. Outside is the world’s only Hanging Obelisk, best seen from inside the galleries. I spent five hours in awe, and it wasn’t enough.

The museum is fully accessible, and wheelchairs are available, as are Egyptologist guides. In the lobby, there are several restaurants with a view of the Grand Staircase, bathroom facilities and shops. I enjoyed a delicious solo lunch at Zoobaeats including a mint lemonade. 

This is just a small sample of photographs from the hundreds I took on my visit. 

How to get tickets for the GEM

Tickets can be purchased on the museum website by date, and cost 1450 EGP for adults (approximately US $30) for tourists (there is no seniors discount), and a reduced rate for Egyptians. Free admission is offered to children under the age of six, visitors with disabilties, Egyptian tour guides accompanying a group and Members of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

How to get to the GEM

The only way to get to the GEM now is by car. In Cairo, I took an Uber from downtown Cairo to the Grand Egyptian Museum with no problem, but the return was more challenging because the drivers wanted up to $30 USD cash on top of the regular cost, which is less than $5USD billed through Uber. It took some patience and several cancellations, but finally I secured a driver who didn’t ask for cash. My advice: make sure to book a Comfort Uber, which tends to be a little nicer.  (Remember that Uber has a ride-sharing feature that you can turn on in your safety features, where you can share your ride with a friend or family member if you’re nervous.)

Public transit is being built but it will be a few years before it’s ready. There’s also the option to travel with a group, as outlined below.

How to travel to Egypt with a women-friendly tour

There are several companies in our Women’s Travel Directory offering both land and Nile River Cruises to Egypt that include the Grand Egyptian Museum. Make sure you confirm which museum is being included in itineraries; I am told the older museum will be closing soon for renovations.

• Women Travel Abroad: This 8-day journey through Egypt in May 2026 combines world-renowned archaeological sites with intimate cultural experiences, including traditional cooking classes and authentic family encounters.
• ElderTreks: This small group tour in October 2026 explores Egypt’s rich history from Cairo to the Red Sea, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, ancient temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel.
• Explore! offers both land and Nile River Cruises, plus a Red Sea extension all year round.
• Intrepid Travel offers a 12-day Egypt Experience including Cairo and Giza. More information here, 
• G Adventures offers several tours to Egypt, including the Best of Egypt (please confirm which museum)
• National Geographic Tours by G Adventures offers 10-17 day trips to Egypt and Jordan. Learn more here. 
• Contiki, Trafalgar and Insight Vacations has added the Grand Egyptian Museum to its itinerary. Learn more here.
• Find river cruises on the Nile here, from AmaWaterways, Intrepid, Scenic and more.

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