The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located close to the Giza Pyramids, is scheduled to formally open on November 1, 2025, following more than 20 years of development. This historic institution, which has over 100,000 artefacts, cutting-edge exhibition technology, and unparalleled access to some of the most famous pieces in history, promises to revolutionise the way the world views ancient Egyptian society.
The GEM is located just outside Cairo, on the Giza Plateau adjacent to the Giza Pyramids. Spanning around 50 hectares with exhibition space of approximately 81 000 m², it is designed as the largest museum in the world devoted to a single civilisation.
The museum will display more than 100 000 Ancient Egyptian artefacts arranged across 12 major galleries. Among the star exhibits is the full collection of Tutankhamun (including his funerary mask, jewels, chariots and weapons) brought together under one roof for the first time. A monumental 83-ton red granite statue of Ramses II greets visitors in the Grand Hall, further framing the scale and ambition of the museum.
Architecturally conceived by Dublin-based firm Heneghan Peng, the GEM features a triangular façade and a grand staircase leading to panoramic windows that frame the pyramids. The visitor experience includes immersive interactive displays, virtual-reality zones, and multi-media storytelling centred around themes of kingship, society and beliefs.
The museum’s origins date back to 1992, with construction delays caused by political upheaval, cost overruns, and the Covid-19 pandemic. While select galleries opened for trial from 2023-24, the full opening has been postponed several times and is now scheduled for November 1, 2025.
Egypt hopes the GEM will catalyse a new wave of tourism by drawing millions of visitors annually. Situated in proximity to the Giza necropolis, it strengthens the country’s cultural infrastructure and underscores Egypt’s desire to be a global hub for archaeological heritage.
Visitors arriving from late 2025 onwards will find not only the museum but also related amenities: gardens, educational centres, cafés and restaurants within the site. The chosen date coincides with Egypt’s cooler peak-tourism season, offering optimal conditions for travel.
The Grand Egyptian Museum represents far more than a new building: it is a transformative cultural institution, one that brings together ancient treasures, cutting-edge design and global ambition. With its opening this November, Egypt is poised to usher in a new chapter in how its millennia-old civilisation is shared with the world.
(With inputs from multiple sources.)
1. When is the Grand Egyptian Museum officially opening?
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is scheduled to officially open on November 1, 2025, following decades of planning and several phased previews to the public.
2. Where is the Grand Egyptian Museum located?
The museum is located on the Giza Plateau, just outside Cairo, Egypt, near the Pyramids of Giza, offering panoramic views of the ancient monuments from its grand staircase and viewing platforms.
3. What can visitors expect to see at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Visitors can explore over 100,000 artefacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, colossal statues, and ancient artefacts displayed across 12 themed galleries with interactive technology and immersive storytelling.
4. Who designed the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The GEM was designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, a Dublin-based firm known for its contemporary yet contextual design. The structure features a triangular façade and sustainable architectural innovations.
5. Why is the Grand Egyptian Museum significant?
The GEM is the largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation. It aims to redefine how Egypt’s 5,000-year-old history is experienced and support the country’s cultural tourism economy.
6. How can visitors reach the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The GEM is easily accessible from Cairo International Airport (about 50 minutes by road) and downtown Cairo. Taxis, private transfers, and organised tours connect the museum with the city’s main attractions.