Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum, a brand new showcase for the nation’s rich ancient history, has finally set the date for another national cultural milestone: its official opening has been announced for 3 July 2025.
Situated just two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the Giza pyramids, the $1.2 billion museum, with the apt acronym “GEM”, is billed as a new wonder of the world and has already been recognised by UNESCO’s Prix Versailles for its exceptional architecture and design.
Largest archaeological museum in the world
Over two decades in the making, GEM spans 81,000 square metres of floor space in a 50-hectare site, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world. It will house over 100,000 artefacts from Egypt’s world-famous past civilisations, including treasures belonging to perhaps the best-known Pharaoh of all, the boy-king Tutankhamun, whose iconic gold, lapis lazuli, obsidian and turquoise death mask will be on display, once it is transferred from its current home in downtown Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. It will be the final object to make the journey.
Partially open already since October 2024, GEM has already welcomed some lucky guests to a dozen of its galleries. History lovers and tourists have set foot inside the breathtaking triangle-motif glass and alabaster structure and been greeted by a vast 3,200-year-old statue of Ramesses II.
A boat to eternity
Among the experiences on offer, contemporary and interactive public spaces such as tree-filled plazas, eight restaurants and a 3D cinema will rub shoulders with items such as the world’s only Hanging Obelisk and a Solar Barque – a ship-like vessel entombed over 4500 years ago with Pharaoh Khufu in order to carry him alongside the Sun God Ra on his voyage into eternity.
As well as providing a fitting home for Egypt’s significant trove of ancient artefacts, the museum will also act as a research centre and preservation lab with perhaps one of the best locations in the world. Its experts, as well as an expected five to seven million guests per year will be able to stand at its southeast end and gaze at unobstructed views of the pyramids beyond.
Tickets available now
One of the most anticipated museum openings for years, GEM’s official launch will be marked by a countdown of events organised by United Media Services Company, one of the largest media entities in the& Arab region, which will be promoting the inauguration across its multiple channels and platforms.
Tickets are already available online and should only be purchased from the official Visit GEM website. They start at EGP1,200 (around €22.60) for adults.
