The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), inaugurated in November 2025, is now the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Located at the foot of the Giza Pyramids, this 500,000 m² architectural colossus houses more than 100,000 artifacts tracing 5,000 years of Egyptian history.
For the first time, Tutankhamun's entire treasure - more than 5,000 pieces - is brought together in one place. The solar barque of Khufu, the colossal statue of Ramses II (83 tonnes, 11 meters high) and the royal mummies complete a collection without equivalent in the world.
This guide gives you all the practical information to prepare your visit: tickets, timetables, essentials and insider tips.
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Grand Egyptian Museum Tickets and Prices (2026)
All tickets must be purchased online at the official website visit-gem.com. No tickets are sold on site. Time slots are limited: book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance during high season (October-April).
| Category | Adult rate | Student/child rate |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitors (non-residents) | 1,500-1,700 EGP (~£20) | 750-850 EGP (~£10) |
| Foreign residents in Egypt | 850 EGP (~£10) | 425 EGP (~£10) |
| Egyptians | 200 EGP (~£0) | 100 EGP (~£0) |
| Children under 4 years old | Free | Free |
| Guided tour (group) | Variable supplement | Variable supplement |
Note: Prices are in Egyptian pounds (EGP). Indicative exchange rate: £0 ≈ 50-55 EGP (check current rate before your visit). Payment is made by credit card only.
What is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)?
The Great Egyptian Museum (GEM), inaugurated on November 1, 2025 on the Giza plateau, is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Spread over 47 hectares facing the pyramids, it brings together more than 100,000 pharaonic objects, including the entire treasure of Tutankhamun (5,398 pieces) exhibited together for the first time. It replaces the old museum in Tahrir Square as the great reference in Egyptology.
How much does a ticket to the Grand Egyptian Museum cost in 2026?
In 2026, the adult foreign ticket for the Grand Egyptian Museum costs approximately 1,450 Egyptian pounds, or approximately 26 euros. The reduced rate (students 13-25 years old, children 6-12 years old upon presentation of proof) is around 730 EGP. Children under 6 years old enter free. Online reservation of a time slot is now compulsory via the official GEM portal.
What are the opening hours of the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The Grand Egyptian Museum opens daily, generally from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with late nights lasting until 10 p.m. on certain evenings (often Wednesday and Saturday). The last entry is approximately one hour before closing. To avoid groups on buses, aim for opening, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.: this is the time when the Tutankhamun galleries remain calmest.
Grand Egyptian Museum or Tahrir Square Museum: don’t confuse the prices
Many travelers mix two separate Cairo museums, and this skews the prices they read online. THE Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), on the Giza plateau, is the new giant museum inaugurated in November 2025: foreign adult ticket around 1,450 EGP (around 26 euros). Theancient Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, in the city center, has applied since January 1, 2026 a separate rate of around EGP 550 for foreigners. If you see the figure 550 EGP associated with the "great Egyptian museum", it is a confusion: it concerns Tahrir, not the GEM. Our team in Cairo updates these two ticket offices continuously and reserves your slots at the right museum.
How much time should you allow to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Count 3 to 4 hours for a comfortable visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, and a full half-day if you want to take the time to visit the two rooms dedicated to Tutankhamun and the large monumental staircase. Visitors in a hurry do most of their work in 2 hours, but the museum is vast (47 hectares) and the distances between galleries are real. Bring water, comfortable shoes and, ideally, a English-speaking guide to get straight to the major parts without getting lost. Our advisors calibrate the duration according to your pace and the rest of your program in Cairo.
To go further:
Opening Hours
| Space | Standard days | Wednesdays & Saturdays |
|---|---|---|
| GEM complex (exteriors, shops, cafes) | 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
| Galleries & exhibitions | 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. |
| Last ticket sale | 5:00 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| Ramadan Times | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Tip: Wednesday and Saturday evenings offer a magical atmosphere with special lighting and fewer crowds.
The must-sees of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Staircase
Your visit begins with a spectacular climb past 87 colossal statues of pharaohs, queens and deities, arranged chronologically. You literally walk through 3,000 years of history as you climb the steps. This is one of the museum's most impressive photo spots - arrive at 9am for crowd-free shots.
The Tutankhamun Galleries
The jewel of the museum. For the first time, the 5,000 pieces of the young pharaoh's treasure are exhibited together: the solid gold funerary mask, the nested sarcophagi, the jewels, the golden throne, the war chariots and everyday objects. The old Cairo Museum (Tahrir Square) only exhibited around 1,500 in cluttered display cases. Here, each room benefits from exceptional lighting and staging.
The Solar Boat of Cheops
Discovered in 1954 at the foot of the Great Pyramid, this 43-meter ceremonial boat is presented in a hall dedicated to the height of its immeasurability. Reconstructed from 1,224 pieces of cedar wood, it was to accompany the pharaoh on his journey to the afterlife.
The Hall of the Royal Mummies
The mummies of the greatest pharaohs - Ramses II, Seti I, Hatshepsut - rest in rooms with a controlled atmosphere. A striking experience facing the faces of sovereigns who reigned more than 3,000 years ago.
Views of the Pyramids
The GEM offers unique panoramas of the Giza pyramids from its terraces and huge bay windows. The pyramids framed by the museum's modern architecture create a striking contrast between ancient and contemporary.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for the main galleries. History buffs will enjoy a full half day (5-6 hours) to explore in depth.
Wear comfortable shoes: the museum is huge and you will walk a lot.
Bring water, especially in summer. Restaurants and cafes are available within the resort, including Zooba, Ladurée Egypt and 30 North Coffee.
Personal photography (without flash or tripod) is permitted in most galleries.
A children's museum offers interactive exhibitions (open Sunday-Thursday 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).
How to Get to the Grand Egyptian Museum
GEM is located at El-Remayah Square, on the Cairo-Alexandria desert highway, just 1.2 km from the Giza Pyramids and approximately 15 km from downtown Cairo.
By taxi or VTC (Uber/Careem): allow 45-60 minutes from central Cairo depending on traffic (200-300 EGP).
By private vehicle: the most comfortable solution, included in all our packages.
The future Sphinx international airport, 20 minutes from the museum, is in the final testing phase.
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Combine GEM and Pyramids of Giza
The museum's proximity to the pyramids makes it a natural combination for a full day trip. We recommend visiting the pyramids in the morning (opening at 8 a.m.) then the GEM in the afternoon, or vice versa. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, take advantage of the museum's extended hours until 9 p.m. for a late-day visit with the golden light on the pyramids as a backdrop.
FAQ: Grand Egyptian Museum
Do I need to book GEM tickets in advance?
Yes, necessarily. All tickets can be purchased online at visit-gem.com. There is no ticket office on site. Each ticket corresponds to a time slot. In high season (October-April), book 2 to 3 weeks in advance. In low season, a few days are usually enough.
How long does it take to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Allow at least 3-4 hours for the main galleries and the must-sees (Grand Staircase, Tutankhamun, Solar Barque). History buffs can easily spend a whole day there. We recommend 5-6 hours for a thorough and comfortable tour.
Can we visit the GEM and the pyramids on the same day?
Yes, this is the most popular combination. The museum is located 1.2 km from the pyramids. Plan the pyramids in the morning (less heat, fewer people) and the GEM in the afternoon. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the galleries remain open until 9 p.m., which allows an evening visit.
Is the museum accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the GEM was designed with accessibility in mind. Elevators, ramps and adapted services are available throughout the complex. Internal shuttles facilitate travel for visitors with reduced mobility.
Is the Tutankhamun collection complete at GEM?
Yes, for the first time in history. All 5,000+ artifacts from Tutankhamun's treasure are gathered in one place. The ancient Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square only had around 1,500 on display. The young pharaoh's golden mask, sarcophagi, jewelry and personal items are all on display in dedicated galleries.
Where is the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located on the Giza plateau, about 2 km from the pyramids and the Sphinx, and about fifteen kilometers from the center of Cairo. It can be reached by taxi or private car in 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Its proximity to the pyramids allows you to combine the two sites in the same day.
Do you need to book your GEM ticket in advance?
Yes. Since the end of 2025, online reservation of a time slot has been compulsory for foreign visitors via the museum's official portal, with on-site sales suspended. Booking in advance guarantees your entry at the chosen time and avoids you waiting in line. Our advisors can manage this reservation as part of a tailor-made stay.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum better than the Tahrir Museum?
The two are complementary. The GEM, modern and spacious, exhibits the complete treasure of Tutankhamun and the large monumental pieces. The old museum in Tahrir Square retains a historical atmosphere and collections that the GEM has not yet absorbed. If you only visit one museum, choose the GEM for Tutankhamun.