Profile Image

Giza Gets A New Wonder, World's Largest Archeological Museum Opens In Egypt

A new wonder unveils beside the pyramids! Here’s all you need to know about the Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt’s latest cultural icon.

Swambhavi Sikdar

Standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened its doors! Heralded as a modern wonder that bridges Egypt’s glorious past with its visionary future, this new Egyptian Museum is home to over 100,000 artefacts, which also includes the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. An architectural masterpiece that invites the world to experience the grandeur of the ancient civilisation in a breathtaking new light, Giza has now welcomed this cultural marvel, which unites both history and innovation on one monumental stage. 

A dream decades in the making

Conceived more than two decades ago, the Grand Egyptian Museum stands as the country’s most ambitious cultural project and the largest archaeological museum ever built. Nestled just two kilometres from the Giza Pyramids, it was envisioned to preserve and showcase Egypt’s 5000-year legacy under one roof of modern elegance. This new Egyptian Museum showcases an awe-inspiring fusion of contemporary architecture and ancient symbolism that mirrors the geometry of the pyramids themselves. 

Within the vast galleries of the Grand Egyptian Museum lie over 100,000 artefacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, many of which are now being displayed for the first time. 

The architectural marvel of the Grand Egyptian Museum 

The Grand Egyptian Museum is a triumph of modern architecture that has been designed to harmonise with the timeless grandeur of the Giza Plateau. Conceived by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects, the design of the new Egyptian Museum draws inspiration from the geometry and alignment of the nearby pyramids, with its facade angled precisely along the same axis. 

The exterior of the museum has been crafted from translucent alabaster stone that glows warmly under the desert sun, evoking the golden tones of ancient Egypt. Spread across an area of nearly half a million square feet, the complex features vast open courtyards, grand staircases, and panoramic glass walls that offer the most breathtaking views of the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaure. Moreover, the interiors of the museum house soaring colossal statues, including the 3200-year-old statue of Ramses II, welcoming visitors into a space where history, light, and architecture merge seamlessly. 

What you can expect at the Grand Egyptian Museum

Visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum can expect an experience that transcends the boundaries of time, immersing them in the splendour of ancient Egypt through the lens of cutting-edge design and technology. Here are all the treasures that lie within the new Egyptian museum

1. Ramses II welcomes you at the grand entrance

Visitors to the new Egyptian museum are welcomed by the towering statue of Ramses II, which stands beneath a ceiling that bathes the atrium in golden light. This awe-inspiring entryway immediately sets the tone for an encounter between ancient grandeur and modern brilliance. 

2. The complete treasures of King Tutankhamun 

For the very first time in history, all 5000 artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb are displayed together. From the boy king’s dazzling golden mask to his delicate sandals, each piece reveals the artistry, mysticism, and opulence of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.

3. Immersive Egyptian history galleries 

Visitors can journey through the vast, thematically curated halls that trace the evolution of Egyptian civilisation. From prehistoric artefacts and royal sculptures to the glories of the New Kingdom and beyond, each section narrates a vivid chapter of human history. 

4. Interactive displays of Ancient Egypt

The Grand Egyptian Museum perfectly merges history with technology through interactive displays, holographic projections, and virtual reconstructions that bring ancient rituals, temples, and tombs back to life in breathtaking detail. 

5. Panoramic Giza pyramid views 

The grand glass facade of the museum opens to sweeping vistas of the Great Pyramids of Giza. This allows the visitors to stand in a space where modern architecture and the world’s oldest wonders meet in seamless harmony. 

6. Cultural hubs and learning spaces 

Beyond its exhibitions, the Grand Egyptian Museum also offers educational centres, conservation labs, and workshops where visitors can witness restoration in progress and explore the science behind preservation. 

Planning your visit 

Planning your visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum promises an unforgettable experience at the heart of Egypt’s cultural legacy. 

Conveniently located on the Giza Plateau, which is just a few kilometres from the Great Pyramids, and about 20 minutes away from central Cairo, the museum is easily accessible by car, taxi, or organised tours. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with extended evening hours on selected days for special exhibitions. The Grand Egyptian Museum tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s official website or at on-site counters. Visitors are encouraged to book the Egyptian museum tickets in advance so as to avoid queues and secure access to timed exhibitions, such as the Tutankhamun Gallery. 

Photo: Instagram/grandegyptianmuseum, gem.eg/media