After two decades of anticipation, Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is finally ready to open near the Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo.
Set to open officially on Saturday, November 4, 2025, the $1 billion megaproject has been described as “the largest cultural building of the 21st century.”
Here’s a closer look at what makes this museum one of the most extraordinary cultural landmarks in the world.
🏗️ The Fourth Pyramid: A Modern Marvel Beside the Ancients
Dubbed the “Fourth Pyramid” of Giza, the GEM’s design mirrors the geometry of the ancient pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
The triangular glass structure, designed by Heneghan Peng Architects of Ireland, stretches across 24,000 square metres (about 258,000 square feet) of exhibition space.
Inside, the museum houses over 100,000 ancient artefacts, half of which are currently on display. The rest are preserved in world-class storage and research facilities.
Authorities expect more than 5 million visitors annually, with the museum becoming a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism and economic revival amid high inflation and debt.
🗿 The Statue of Ramses II: A Grand Welcome
Greeting visitors in the museum’s vast entrance hall is the 11-metre granite statue of Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great.
One of the most powerful pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Ramses II reigned from 1279 to 1213 BC. His statue, discovered in 1820 near ancient Memphis, has traveled the world twice — in 1986 and again from 2021 to 2025 — drawing millions of spectators.
After years of relocation, the GEM will be its final home, where it will stand as a centerpiece of Egypt’s ancient legacy.
👑 Treasures of King Tutankhamun: A Golden Legacy Reunited
Perhaps the most anticipated attraction at the GEM is the Tutankhamun Gallery, featuring 5,000 artefacts from the tomb of the young pharaoh.
This is the first time the entire Tutankhamun collection will be displayed together since British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings.
Visitors will see the gold-covered sarcophagus, jewelled burial mask inlaid with lapis lazuli, and many other personal treasures of the boy king who died at just 19 years old.
🚤 Solar Boats: Ancient Engineering on Display
In a separate building, the museum showcases Pharaoh Khufu’s 4,600-year-old solar boat, one of the largest and oldest wooden artefacts ever found.
Made from cedar and acacia wood, the 44-metre-long vessel was discovered in 1954 near the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
Over the next three years, visitors will also get to watch restorers at work through a glass wall as they carefully preserve another ancient boat uncovered in 1987.
🌄 The Grand Panorama and Design Highlights
The GEM’s interior is as breathtaking as its artefacts.
A six-storey staircase lined with monumental statues and ancient tombs leads visitors to a panoramic glass wall offering stunning views of the Pyramids of Giza.
Inside, 12 main galleries chronicle over 5,000 years of Egyptian civilization, spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era.
The museum also features research facilities, conservation labs, restoration workshops, and archive spaces open to scholars and archaeologists worldwide.
🕰️ A Dream 20 Years in the Making
First launched in 2002 under former President Hosni Mubarak, the project faced numerous delays due to:
- The 2011 Egyptian Revolution
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- Regional instability and funding challenges
It partially opened in October 2024, but the grand opening in November 2025 now marks the full realization of Egypt’s 20-year vision to showcase its pharaonic heritage on a global stage.
🇪🇬 Why the Grand Egyptian Museum Matters
Beyond its architectural beauty, the GEM represents a major step in reviving Egypt’s cultural tourism — a key source of national revenue.
With an estimated 5 million visitors expected each year, the museum is set to:
- Strengthen Egypt’s position as a world-class cultural destination
- Preserve ancient heritage with cutting-edge technology
- Provide education and inspiration for future generations
✨ Final Thoughts: The Future of Egyptian Heritage
The Grand Egyptian Museum isn’t just a tribute to ancient history — it’s a bridge between the past and the future.
For visitors from Kenya and across Africa, the GEM offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the wonders of ancient Egypt in a modern, immersive environment just a few steps from the legendary Pyramids of Giza.
