On July 3, 2025, the world will witness a historic moment as the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) officially opens its doors to the public. Located near the Giza Pyramids, this architectural masterpiece is set to become the largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization in the world.
Covering an area of 500,000 square meters, GEM is double the size of the Louver and the Metropolitan Museum and two-and-a-half times larger than the British Museum. The museum will house over 100,000 ancient artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before. As anticipation builds for this monumental event, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) a must-visit destination, from its breathtaking exhibits to its world-class visitor experience.
The Grand Egyptian Museum a Architectural Marvel
The Grand Egyptian Museum is not just a museum; it’s an architectural wonder that reflects the magnificence of ancient Egyptian civilization. The main entrance is located on the south side of the building, leading through a sloping courtyard that houses the world’s only hanging obelisk. This impressive feature allows visitors to stand beneath the massive stone monument—an experience unlike any other.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the atrium, a wide space decorated with the cartouches of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. At the heart of the atrium stands the granite colossus of Ramses II.
The Grand Staircase of The GEM: A Pathway Through History
One of the museum's most iconic architectural features is the Grand Staircase, a vertical gallery that leads visitors to the main exhibits. Lined with monumental statues of pharaohs, the staircase offers breathtaking views of the galleries and the pyramids, immersing visitors in the grandeur of Ancient Egypt.
The Main Galleries: A Journey Through Time
The Grand Egyptian Museum is designed to take visitors on a chronological and thematic journey through Egypt’s ancient past. With 24,000 square meters of exhibition space, the 12 main galleries showcase artifacts from different eras, providing a rich narrative of Egypt’s 5,000-year history.
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Galleries 1-3: The Dawn of Civilization
Covering the Prehistoric Period, the Old Kingdom (Age of the Pyramids), and the First Intermediate Period. Artifacts include tools, statues, and reliefs that highlight the architectural genius and religious beliefs of the time.
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Galleries 4-6: Resilience and Renewal
These galleries focus on the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period, displaying beautifully carved stelae, jewelry, and statues that reflect Egypt’s artistic and political resurgence.
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Galleries 7-9: The Golden Age of the New Kingdom
These galleries feature monumental statues, military equipment, and religious relics from the reigns of Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Ramses II.
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Galleries 10-12: The Legacy of Late Egypt
Representing the Late Period to the Greco-Roman era, these galleries display artifacts that show the blending of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences, including Greek-style sculptures and beautifully painted Roman-era mummies.
The Tutankhamun Gallery: The Jewel of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum proudly unveils one of its most anticipated and extraordinary exhibits—the Tutankhamun Gallery. For the first time in history, all 5,000 artifacts from the legendary boy king's tomb will be displayed together, offering an immersive journey into Ancient Egypt's golden age.
Iconic Artifacts on Display
• The Gold Mask of Tutankhamun
This breathtaking masterpiece, crafted from solid gold, Lapis lazuli, and quartzite, stands as a timeless symbol of ancient craftsmanship. Designed to ensure the pharaoh’s safe passage into the afterlife, the mask embodies the mystery and magnificence of Tutankhamun’s legacy.
• Nested Golden Shrines
A series of ornate, gilded shrines encased the young pharaoh’s sarcophagus. Intricately adorned with sacred texts from the Book of the Dead, these structures reflect Ancient Egypt's deep spiritual beliefs and artistic grandeur.
• The Golden Throne
An exquisite seat of power, beautifully decorated with scenes of Tutankhamun and Queen Ankhesenamun. This artifact symbolizes the divine nature of kingship and the personal bond shared between the young king and his queen.
• Treasures of Daily Life
Beyond the royal splendor, the gallery offers a glimpse into the intimate aspects of Tutankhamun's life. From gilded chariots and ceremonial jewelry to personal items like sandals, board games, and food offerings, these artifacts narrate the story of a young monarch navigating the complexities of power and ritual.
This unparalleled collection offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with Egypt’s ancient past. Through a stunning presentation, the Grand Museum invites the world to witness the mystery and enduring influence of Tutankhamun's reign.
Beyond its exhibits, the Grand Egyptian Museum offers a modern, immersive experience for visitors. State-of-the-art interactive displays, virtual reality tours, and multilingual guided tours bring Ancient Egypt to life. The museum also features cafés, restaurants, and a gift shop, where visitors can purchase certified replicas of ancient artifacts.
Bringing Ancient Egypt Home
In celebration of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Now, you can own a piece of history with our collection of authentic, museum-certified replicas.
At Konouz, we offer meticulously crafted reproductions of ancient Egyptian artifacts, perfect for those who want to keep a piece of this wonder home.
Iconic Artifacts on Display
This breathtaking masterpiece, crafted from solid gold, Lapis lazuli, and quartzite, stands as a timeless symbol of ancient craftsmanship. Designed to ensure the pharaoh’s safe passage into the afterlife, the mask embodies the mystery and magnificence of Tutankhamun’s legacy.
• Nested Golden Shrines
A series of ornate, gilded shrines encased the young pharaoh’s sarcophagus. Intricately adorned with sacred texts from the Book of the Dead, these structures reflect Ancient Egypt's deep spiritual beliefs and artistic grandeur.
An exquisite seat of power, beautifully decorated with scenes of Tutankhamun and Queen Ankhesenamun. This artifact symbolizes the divine nature of kingship and the personal bond shared between the young king and his queen.
• Treasures of Daily Life
Beyond the royal splendor, the gallery offers a glimpse into the intimate aspects of Tutankhamun's life. From gilded chariots and ceremonial jewelry to personal items like sandals, board games, and food offerings, these artifacts narrate the story of a young monarch navigating the complexities of power and ritual.
