Grand Egyptian Museum Opens: Tickets, Prices, Hours & How to Visit

Egypt’s long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) beside the Giza Pyramids is finally here: inaugurated on November 1, 2025, with public entry from November 4. Below you’ll find the essentials—tickets, opening hours, what to see (including the full Tutankhamun collection), and how to visit.

After two decades of construction and anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum opens as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation—steps from the Giza Pyramids. Visitors can finally see the entire Tutankhamun collection presented together for the first time, alongside icons like the colossal Ramesses II and Khufu’s Solar Boat. Timed tickets are sold only via the official portal (visit-gem.com), with regular hours plus extended evening openings on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you’re planning a Cairo itinerary, pair GEM + Giza in one day and book early—opening week time slots are in high demand.

Quick facts

  • Official opening ceremony: 1 November 2025; public entry from 4 November 2025.
  • Official ticketing: visit-gem.com (the museum’s only ticket portal).
  • Opening hours: Daily (except Wed & Sat) 08:30–19:00 complex / 09:00–18:00 galleries; extended hours on Wed & Sat from 4 Nov: complex to 22:00, galleries to 21:00.
  • Location: Beside the Giza Pyramids (≈ 2 km from the plateau).
  • Headliners: The complete Tutankhamun collection (5,300+ objects), Khufu’s Boat Museum, Grand Hall & Staircase.

What’s inside the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The GEM is now the world’s largest museum devoted to a single civilisation. Expect 100,000+ artefacts across twelve main galleries that trace Egypt from prehistory to the Roman era. Highlights include the Grand Hall with the colossal Ramesses II, the Grand Staircase lined with monumental pieces, and the Khufu’s Boats Museum. Most anticipated is the full Tutankhamun display—over 5,300 items shown together for the first time, with signature pieces highlighted throughout the new galleries.

Opening dates & hours (2025)

  • Inauguration: 1 November 2025
  • Public entry: from 4 November 2025
  • Hours:
    – Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: Complex 08:30–19:00, Galleries 09:00–18:00
    – Wed & Sat (from 4 Nov): Complex 08:30–22:00, Galleries 09:00–21:00
    Buy timed-entry tickets in advance; walk-ups are not guaranteed in the opening weeks.

Tickets & 2025 prices

Purchase only via the official portal (visit-gem.com). Third-party resellers often inflate prices.

Current published prices (as of Nov 2025):

  • Foreign visitors (non-residents): EGP 1,700 adults; EGP 850 students/children
  • Arab & foreign residents in Egypt: EGP 850 adults; EGP 425 students/children
  • Egyptian citizens: EGP 350 adults; EGP 175 students/children
    (Categories and rates can change; check the portal before you book.)

Good to know: Children under six are often free; some sources still quote lower “from” prices around EGP 1,200 for foreigners, but opening-week updates point to the table above. Always verify at checkout.

How to get there

  • From Downtown Cairo (Tahrir): ~30–45 min by car (traffic-dependent).
  • From Giza Pyramids: ~5–10 min by car; the museum sits ≈2 km from the plateau—pair both in one day.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber and Careem are the easiest options; taxis and hotel drivers are common, too.
  • By air: Sphinx International Airport (SPX) serves the Pyramids/GEM area and cuts transfer times in northwest Cairo.
  • Future: Cairo Metro Line 4 (Pyramids Station) will eventually link the area.

How long to allow

Most visitors need 3–5 hours for the main galleries, plus time for the Tutankhamun section and the boats museum. Consider a full day if combining GEM + Pyramids on the same itinerary.

Photography & rules

Personal photography and video are allowed, but no flash, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, or live streaming. Commercial shoots require prior permission.

Best time to visit

  • Early entry (09:00) for cooler temps and thinner crowds.
  • Wednesdays and Saturdays (evening hours) are ideal for night shots of the facade and a less hurried visit.

Sample 1-day GEM + Giza itinerary

  1. 09:00–12:00 GEM: Grand Hall → Main Galleries → Tutankhamun → Khufu’s Boats.
  2. Lunch at GEM’s on-site eateries or Giza restaurants.
  3. 14:30–17:00 Giza Plateau: Pyramids & Sphinx.
  4. Optional: Return to GEM (Wed/Sat) for evening gallery hours and lit-up exteriors.

Accessibility & families

Elevators, ramps, family restrooms, and stroller-friendly routes are available; the GEM Children’s Museum runs short themed experiences (ages ~6–12).

Practical tips

  • Buy early: opening weeks are busy; prime slots sell out.
  • Hydration & dress: light clothing, comfortable shoes; conservative attire is appreciated.
  • Scams: only use the official ticket site; ignore touts near entrances.
  • Combine with flights: if you arrive via SPX (Sphinx Airport), transfers to Giza/GEM are shorter than from CAI.

FAQs

When did the Grand Egyptian Museum open?
The opening ceremony was on 1 November 2025; the museum opened to the public on 4 November 2025.

Where do I buy tickets?
Only on the official portal (visit-gem.com), the museum warn against third-party sites.

How much are tickets?
As of November 2025, foreigners (non-residents) EGP 1,700 (~31 EUR) for adults; students/children EGP 850 (~16 EUR). Residents and Egyptians have reduced categories. Check the portal for the latest.

Is King Tut’s collection at GEM?
Yes. The museum displays the complete Tutankhamun collection—over 5,300 objects—together for the first time.

How far is GEM from the Pyramids?
Roughly 2 km (a short drive).