Grand Egyptian Museum Opening 2025: Everything Muslim Travellers Need to Know

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is poised to become a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and Muslim travelers alike. As the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation, the GEM offers an immersive journey through Egypt’s rich heritage, featuring over 50,000 artifacts—including the full tomb collection of King Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time.

For Muslim travellers, the museum's strategic location near key historical and Islamic sites makes it an ideal addition to any Egyptian itinerary. With dedicated prayer spaces, halal dining options nearby, and its proximity to Cairo’s vibrant Islamic heritage sites, the GEM provides a seamless experience for visitors who wish to explore Egypt’s past while accommodating their faith-based needs. As the museum prepares for its official inauguration on 1 Nov 2025 (with public opening from 4 Nov 2025) the travellers can anticipate an extraordinary cultural experience.

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Exhibitions and highlights

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The Grand Egyptian Museum boasts an extensive collection of over 50,000 artifacts, with approximately 15,000 currently on display. Among the most significant pieces is a 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II, alongside the meticulously recreated Tomb Chapel of Khnumhotep II. Additionally, the museum showcases never-before-seen artifacts sourced from various locations, including Cairo, Luxor, Minya, Sohag, Assiut, Beni Suef, Fayoum, the Delta, and Alexandria.

Image credit: Adventures With Shrouk | Official Facebook

One of the museum’s most anticipated exhibitions is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, which will be displayed together for the first time. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore these treasures in a setting designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

Architecture and location

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Spanning approximately 500,000 square meters, the Grand Egyptian Museum blends contemporary design with ancient inspiration. Its prime location near the Giza Plateau offers visitors stunning views of the iconic pyramids, further enhancing the immersive experience of being surrounded by Egypt’s rich history.

Current visitor experience

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As of 16 Oct 2024, the GEM has been partially open to the public. Twelve main galleries provide a comprehensive overview of Egypt’s ancient history, covering periods from the Old Kingdom to the Graeco-Roman era. Additionally, visitors have access to the Grand Staircase, an open-air gallery featuring over 60 historically significant artefacts and some of the surrounding gardens and public spaces.

However, the Tutankhamun galleries and Khufu’s Solar Boat Museum remain closed until the full opening. The museum also caters to younger audiences through the Children’s Museum, which offers interactive displays designed to engage and educate future generations about Egypt’s historical and cultural legacy.

Operating hours and ticketing information

The Grand Egyptian Museum operates daily from 8:30 am to 7 pm, with gallery access available from 9 am to 6 pm; last ticket purchase at 5 pm. To allow sufficient time for exploration, visitors are advised to arrive by 4 pm.

Tickets can be purchased online through the official GEM website or on-site. Additionally, guided tours led by Egyptologists are available in multiple languages, offering in-depth insights into the museum’s vast collection.

As for ticketing, the official rates for the fully opened museum are now available. Foreign visitors can expect to pay around EGP 1,200 (≈ SGD 32.40) for adults and EGP 600 (≈ SGD 16.20) for students or youths. Egyptian nationals will be charged approximately EGP 200 (≈ SGD 5.40) for adults and EGP 100 (≈ SGD 2.70) for students, youths, and seniors. Children under six years old can typically enter free of charge. These rates reflect the museum’s aim to remain accessible while sustaining its long-term operations. Guided tours led by professional Egyptologists are also available at an additional cost, providing in-depth insights into the museum’s vast collection.

Tickets can be purchased online through the official GEM website or on-site, although advance booking is strongly recommended due to high demand, particularly during the opening months. Pre-booking not only secures entry but also ensures a smoother visitor experience without long waiting times.

A journey through time

Image credit: Adventures With Shrouk | Official Facebook

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The Grand Egyptian Museum serves as more than just a repository of ancient artefacts; it acts as a bridge connecting modern audiences to Egypt’s storied past. Whether exploring for academic enrichment, personal curiosity, or faith-based travel, visitors will find an experience that offers unparalleled historical depth. With its upcoming grand opening in 2025, the GEM is set to become a premier destination for travellers worldwide, providing a deeper understanding of Egypt’s remarkable legacy.