The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, located in front of the Giza Pyramids, is now the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. While the historic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square remains intact, it is the new Giza Egyptian Museum that captures travelers’ attention. Designed by Irish architect Róisín Heneghan, this futuristic wonder, the result of twenty years of work, is considered the largest exhibition space in the world devoted to a single civilization. Experience a remarkable journey through five thousand years of Pharaohs’ history.
The entrance to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza is spectacular, with a suspended obelisk at the center of the plaza and the colossal statue of Ramses II in the Grand Hall. A staircase framed by sphinxes—as well as stelae, sarcophagi, columns, and statues—leads up to the exhibition halls. The museum essentially has two main sections, though both are immense. The first takes visitors on a journey back in time: twelve descending galleries, like the steps of a pyramid, guide you from prehistory and the Predynastic era to 394 AD, when Egyptian art had already fused with Greco-Roman influences. The second section is entirely dedicated to a single Pharaoh, the legendary Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered intact over a century ago by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings. “Can you see anything?” “Yes…wonderful things!”—Carter’s famous words at the moment of discovery.
Where Tutankhamun’s Treasure Is Displayed
The GEM also showcases truly remarkable artifacts, as it is the first time the entire treasure of Tutankhamun, the young Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty (born circa 1345 BC, died at 18), is on display in Cairo. The masterfully curated exhibition presents over 5,000 objects buried with him to accompany him into the afterlife: artifacts, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and funerary chariots. Of course, the golden sarcophagi—nested one inside the other like a giant set of Chinese boxes—contain the most precious treasures, including Tutankhamun’s solid gold funerary mask inlaid with quartz, carnelian, and lapis lazuli, depicting the young Pharaoh’s face. The mask is displayed in a secure glass case, in a dimly lit theatrical space at the end of the exhibition, ensuring the highlight of the visit is saved for last.
Tips for Visiting the GEM
Although the initial queues have disappeared, the “Tutankhamun Gallery” remains perpetually crowded. It’s best to arrive early at opening time and start the visit there, then explore the rest of the museum at a leisurely pace. Don’t miss the Solar Boat, a 5,000-year-old funerary boat discovered by chance in the 1950s in a pit near the Great Pyramid of Khufu on the Giza plateau. Carefully dismantled and reassembled like a giant Lego, it is housed in a separate pavilion at the GEM, along with a second boat still being assembled.
How to Reach the GEM
The new museum is located at El Remayah Square along the desert road connecting Cairo to Alexandria, separated from the Giza Pyramids by a multi-lane junction. The best way to get there is by private transfer, though taxis or rental cars are also possible. Keep in mind that an international driver’s license is required, and traffic in Egypt can be quite daring.
The Iconic Giza Pyramids from the GEM
A 1.5-kilometer walkway connecting the museum to the Giza plateau is still under construction, but the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure can already be admired through the museum’s oversized windows. These pyramids are the most important burial sites of Ancient Egypt and represent the pinnacle of the Memphis necropolises, the first capital of the Old Kingdom, founded around 3000 BC—long before Cairo existed.
Saqqara and Dahshur: Desert Pyramids Near Cairo
The ancient necropolises of Saqqara and Dahshur, located southwest of the capital along the Nile towards the desert, were also part of Old Memphis. Saqqara, home to Pharaoh Djoser’s Step Pyramid, is considered the world’s oldest monumental stone structure. Dahshur includes several pyramid complexes, including the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid, which can be visited inside. These quieter, slightly more distant sites are perfect for reflection and contemplation, as one should always do in the presence of the great masterpieces of the past.
A Luxury Journey in Egypt:
Exclusive | ACI blueteam
Cultural Egypt can be discovered in many ways. Exclusive | ACI blueteam travel designers—a luxury, tailor-made travel agency within the Virtuoso network—offer unforgettable experiences with VIP treatments, curated luxury hotels, and high-end private transfers, allowing travelers to enjoy Egypt’s magic in maximum comfort.
