At the edge of the desert, across from the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt unveils one of the most ambitious cultural projects of the 21st century: the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) – the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. A monumental space that feels like it emerged from the future, with an ancient soul. This futuristic complex, shaped by geometric lines, hieroglyphs, and pyramid-inspired architecture, rises just two kilometers from the legendary pyramids.
TravelView.gr had the rare opportunity to visit it before the official inauguration, and Vivi Margariti shares the experience through photos, videos, and words that attempt to describe the… indescribable.
A breathtaking entrance
The first impression is overwhelming. The museum stretches across the desert like a technological landscape, blending modernism with eternal symbolism. Its entrance – a modern glass pyramid – gradually reveals the inner world of pharaohs and forgotten kingdoms.
Inside, the colossal statue of Ramses II dominates the space, welcoming visitors into a journey through 5,000 years of history. Light, materials, geometry, and architecture work together to make you feel as if you’re walking through legends.
The triangular façade, the textured walls carved with ancient glyphs, and the sheer scale of the halls create an atmosphere that transcends time.
A place that humbles you
Covering more than 500,000 square meters, the museum’s spaces make you feel small next to the immensity of history. The curatorial narrative unfolds through 12 thematic galleries, taking you from the pre-dynastic era to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
This is not a museum that exhibits history. It breathes with it.
Giant statues carved from granite, basalt, and sandstone, ranging from 4 to 10 meters high, tower above you. Pharaohs stand in solemn silence as you ascend. Deities with falcon, crocodile, lion, or cat heads loom in sacred power. Hieroglyphic pillars, softly lit from below, cast long shadows like ancient swords on stone floors.
Ramses II and the treasure of Tutankhamun
At the heart of the museum, Ramses II rises proudly, standing 11 meters tall and lit by natural sunlight – a silent guardian of a civilization that refuses to fade.
Nearby, the complete treasure of Tutankhamun is revealed to the world – for the first time ever, all 5,000+ artifactsare on display, thematically and narratively organized. From the iconic golden mask to chariots, jewelry, furniture, and ritual objects, every piece whispers stories of power, mystery, and a boy-king’s legacy.
A museum with a view of eternity
At the museum’s upper level, a massive glass opening frames a majestic view: the Pyramids of Giza, bathed in golden light. It’s here, at the threshold between time and timelessness, where you understand the true magnitude of the space. The GEM is not just a museum – it’s a meeting point with eternity.
Open to the public – but waiting for its moment
The GEM is fully functional and welcomes thousands of visitors daily. Many of its galleries, the Grand Staircase, shops, and open courtyards are completely accessible, with only a few remaining under final adjustments.
The museum began operating in October 2024 in a pilot phase, offering access to 12 galleries, the atrium, and the Grand Hall – receiving up to 4,000 visitors per day.
However, the official inauguration has been delayed, not due to readiness, but for political and diplomatic reasons. The Egyptian government envisions a global cultural event, with world leaders, royals, and international figuresattending. Due to geopolitical tensions in the region, the official ceremony has been postponed until the fall or winter of 2025.
What to see
✅ Over 100,000 artifacts, including the entire treasure of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, exhibited for the first time as a unified collection
✅ Exhibitions of mummies, sarcophagi, statues, jewelry, chariots, and ritual objects
✅ Interactive experiences using cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling
✅ A panoramic view of the Pyramids through glass corridors and open-air terraces
My experience
“I walked beside people from all over the world, stood in awe before the gaze of a pharaoh, and photographed the dome that echoed with light and eternity. The Grand Egyptian Museum is not just a cultural monument – it is a living gate to the greatness of Ancient Egypt. A treasure of sensations that belongs on every traveler’s dream list.”
“Standing in front of Ramses, I didn’t want to take a photo. I just wanted to stay still. To feel how History looks at you – not as a tourist, but as a witness. The Grand Egyptian Museum is the most vivid silence I’ve ever experienced.”
– Vivi Margariti
ℹ️ Visitor Information
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Giza Plateau, Cairo |
| Access | Open to the public (online booking required) |
| Inauguration | Scheduled for fall/winter 2025 |
| Galleries | Many fully open (Ramses II, Tutankhamun, thematic halls) |
| Photography | Allowed in selected areas |
| Facilities | Restaurant, café, gift shop, rest areas |
Getting there
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Flights: Daily from Athens to Cairo (~1h 50min)
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Transport: Taxi or private transfer from Cairo airport to Giza
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Travel tip: Combine your visit with the Pyramids and the Sphinx for the full experience
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