All You Need to Know About the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2024

When people picture a trip to Egypt, they used to think of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Nowadays, the most anticipated attraction in Egypt must be the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Although the opening of the museum has been postponed several times due to multiple different reasons, it is likely that it will be finally opened this year. For those who have been waiting for this important project for a long time, and for those has few ideas about the museum, we would like to show you the charming points of the museum and all you need to complete a perfect journey.

Basic Information About the Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM for short) is a museum under construction in Giza, Egypt. It is about 2km distance from the three great pyramids of Giza. The museum will be built on a vast site of approximately 470,000 square meters. There are about 100,000 items in the collection, many of which have never been exhibited before, and the museum will offer visitors a unique experience through innovative technology and interactive displays. The collections include the entire collection of King Tutankhamun. The famous "Golden Mask" will also be on display.

What to See in the Grand Egyptian Museum

King Tutankhamun's Collection

The Grand Egyptian Museum has a 7,000-square-meter gallery dedicated to Tutankhamun, including his famous golden masks, sarcophagi, golden beds, chariots, and around other 7000 pieces of treasure. Unlike in the old Egyptian Museum where all the collections were simply displayed in the showcase, in the new museum visitors will be able to learn more about Tutankhamun's detailed life.

In July 2021, the collections of King Tutankhamun were moved from the Tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Tutankhamun's Tomb has been carefully restored in good condition since it was discovered in 1922. GEM is currently making final preparations for its opening.

The Conservation Center

One of the most innovative features and attractive spots of the Grand Egyptian Museum is its conservation center. The center is equipped with advanced technologies and facilities to protect and preserve the museum's vast collection. The conservation center is designed to offer visitors a behind-the-scenes view of the museum's conservation process. Visitors will be able to get a deeper understanding of the work required to protect and maintain these priceless treasures.

How Much Will It Cost

The Grand Egyptian Museum is launching a GEM trial visit program, offering visitors a glimpse of its treasures in a number of open areas. The ticket price will be around 100 to 200 dollars, including the cost of the private guide as well as the translation. It is important to note that the price of the GEM ticket may change over time depending on the time of year and the number of friends you are traveling with. If you are curious about the mysterious museum, please contact Odynovo for exact information.

How to Get to the Grand Egyptian Museum

There will be multiple ways to access the new Grand Egyptian Museum. The museum is built near the Cairo Ring Road which is a highway that circles around the city of Cairo. It is around a 17-minute drive from the city center of Cairo. It is also very convenient to use a taxi to arrive at the museum which only costs 1 to 2 dollars from Cairo. Other than using cars, there is a metro line currently under construction that links the city and the museum. The new Sphinx International Airport which is only 20 minutes away from the Museum is in its final testing period, but once it's completed it is also possible to have a faster access to the museum after you get off your flight.

How Is the Design of the Grand Egyptian Museum

The design of the Grand Egyptian Museum was provided by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, winner of the world competition held by the Egyptian government in January 2002. And it is built by Belgian construction company BESIX for an estimated total cost of over one billion dollars. The museum is located on a 480,000-square-meter site in Giza which will make it one of the world's largest museums. The museum will include not only exhibition space but also a conference center, shops, restaurants, and a hotel.

The ceiling and walls are made of glass, so you can feel the dazzling light of the sunshine after you enter through the triangular glass entrance and while you are walking inside the museum. A stone statue of Ramesses II greets you as you pass through the main gate. The stunning statue is 12 meters high and weighs 80 tons and will give you a big visual impact. There is also a 65 meters long staircase in the center of the building where you can look down on the surroundings as well as the three pyramids through the glass windows. Along the staircase, there are 87 items displayed in chronological order.

Where to Stay Near the Grand Egyptian Museum

Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa

Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel of a famous hotel chain near the three pyramids. Pyramids are within walking distance, but you can also admire them from the room or from the pool. Pyramids view is available from the balcony of half of the guest rooms. The moon-shaped pool in the courtyard is impressive when it is lit up at night. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the hotel including Japanese, Italian and European cuisines. The well-equipped spa facilities of the hotel is a perfect place to soothe away the fatigue of sightseeing. There is also a cafe where you can smoke shisha.

Marriott Mena House

Marriott Mena House is a 5-star luxury hotel that is the closest to the pyramids among all the luxury hotels. It is a resort hotel rather than a tourist hotel, fully equipped with services and facilities such as spas and restaurants. Other than the diverse international restaurants, 24h in-room dining services such as breakfast and evening snacks are also available. The hotel has been renovated which makes it a nice point that the room and the bathroom are very clean. Pyramids can be seen from a lot of places in the hotel and there are many photogenic spots.

Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx

Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx is a 5-star hotel in front of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids. The guest rooms are modernly decorated in warm olive green and burgundy tones. Some of the rooms also offer views of the pyramids or the gardens. The hotel is facilitated with a fitness center, sauna, and an outdoor pool. The main restaurant serves oriental cuisine, and the R&J Lounge offers a variety of grilled dishes accompanied by Egyptian and French wines.

What Will Happen to the Old Egyptian Museum

As the main ancient Egyptian collection has been gradually transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum, many people may wonder what will happen to the old Egyptian Museum. However, it's worth noting that some artifacts, particularly those that are too fragile or large to be moved, will remain at the old museum. The old Egyptian Museum is a historic building that was founded in 1892 and has been in operation for more than a century. There are plans to demolish the old building and modernize it to improve the visitor experience and ensure the long-term preservation of its collections.

Attractions Around the Grand Egyptian Museum

The Gisa Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza

Egyptian Pyramids, which tourists from all over the world visit, are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the most popular tourist pyramids in Egypt is the Great Pyramids of Giza. Since it is located not far from the Grand Egyptian Museum, adding it to your travel plan will definitely enhance your Egyptian culture exploration experience.

There are three major pyramids in the area including Khufu the biggest one, followed by Khafre and Menkaure. The Pyramid of Khufu was once 146 meters high when it was completed but only 138 meters remain today. If you purchase a ticket for visiting the interior, you'll be able to pass through the narrow tunnel inside the pyramid and feel the mystery of the pyramid. Only 300 visitors are allowed to enter every day, therefore early arrival is recommended.

Of course, while you are visiting the pyramids area, don't forget the Sphinx. The Sphinx is a sacred Egyptian creature with a human face and a lion's body and is enshrined in Giza as the guardian deity of the three pyramids. Carved out of a limestone hill, the sculpture is 73.5 meters long, 20 meters high, and 19 meters wide. The Sphinx is one of the most popular attractions in Giza. Therefore, if you want to see a more complete Sphinx, it is also recommended to come early.

Giza Solar Boat Museum

Another attraction you should visit together with the Grand Egyptian Museum is the Giza Solar Boat Museum in front of the Khufu Pyramid. In 1954, five pieces near the Pyramid of Khufu were excavated from a wooden boat made of cedar wood. The boat is called the "Solar Boat" for its resemblance to the ceremonial boat that carried the resurrected king Khufu under the sun god Ra. At the time of excavation, the boat was divided into 649 pieces and it took 28 years to restore the complete boat as it looks today. The boat is now on display enclosed in glass and protected by other modern techniques in the Giza Solar Boat Museum.

Once the Grand Egyptian Museum is completed, it will become the largest archeology museum in the world. With the help of modern techniques, you will have an unforgettable tour watching and understanding the great Egyptian culture. To fulfill your journey in Egypt, it is also recommended to visit other popular attractions nearby such as the great Pyramids of Giza and the Giza Solar Boat Museum. In addition, nice accommodation and comfortable transportation is also essential for the trip. If you are searching for a travel plan that covers the Grand Egyptian Museum and other attractions as well, feel free to contact us to make the most of your journey. Our experienced travel professionals will create a tailor-made itinerary according to your interests, schedule, and budget.