There are few places on Earth where history feels as vibrant as it does in Egypt. And now, at the edge of the Giza Plateau, the country’s past is being reintroduced to the world in a spectacular new way.
I had the chance to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) during its soft opening—an experience that felt both once-in-a-lifetime and just the beginning.
This wasn’t just another museum visit—it was a pilgrimage of sorts. When my mom asked if I wanted to join her in Egypt, the Grand Egyptian Museum immediately went on my list.
In my mind, this was the museum for Egypt—a place that could finally do justice to 5,000 years of human history. And I’m happy to say, it lived up to the expectation.
Getting There: An Adventure of Its Own
Since GEM wasn’t offered as an excursion on our group tour, we had to figure it out ourselves—and honestly, that added to the experience.
We learned from other travelers that Uber works in Cairo, and the best move is to book the highest tier of Uber available. After over a week of hectic, fast-paced touring, we were more than ready to take it slow and opted for the most comfortable ride.
The trip was smooth and surprisingly affordable. Just be aware of potential scams—some drivers might message you asking for more money than the price shown in the app. Ignore those. Our driver picked us up right from our hotel and dropped us off at the gates of the GEM. And when we arrived, our jaws dropped.
Read More: From Climbing Inside the Great Pyramid to a Nile Cruise: Our Epic Egypt Experience
First Impressions: Grandeur on a Monumental Scale
The complex is massive and beautifully designed. I’d heard that an international team helped with the architecture, and you can tell—this is a space built to impress on a global stage.
I also heard that when complete, it may be the largest archaeological museum in the world, which doesn’t surprise me. From the moment we stepped out of the car, I felt that something monumental was unfolding.
We entered beneath towering walls of pale stone and glass, welcomed by a colossal statue of Ramses II and a peaceful water feature that framed the space with elegance. Even though it was just the soft opening, the whole experience already felt polished and organized.
After purchasing tickets, we stepped into the museum’s heart: a staircase that rises like a timeline, lined with statues from across Egypt’s long and complex history. Nearby, there were cafes and food courts for visitors who got peckish after their visit.
Inside the Museum: Time Travel Done Right
About 80% of the exhibits were open during our visit. Sadly, the King Tutankhamun Gallery—one of the museum’s crown jewels—was still closed, but even so, what we saw was nothing short of breathtaking.
The galleries move in chronological order, from prehistoric times through the Pharaonic dynasties to the Ptolemaic and Greco-Roman periods. The curation is masterful. Artifacts are not just displayed—they’re presented in ways that tell stories, spark imagination, and invite reflection.
You get to see how Egyptian civilization evolved, merged with others, and yet retained its unmistakable identity.
Compared to other museums in Cairo—like the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square or the Museum of Egyptian Civilization—the GEM offers a broader, more immersive sweep of history.
It doesn’t just focus on royalty or mummies, but on daily life, technology, art, religion, and language. The labeling is clear and informative in multiple languages, though guided tours are available if you want extra context. We went unguided and found the experience totally enriching.
The building itself deserves its own praise. It’s modern but not sterile, grand but not overwhelming. The pyramid viewing terrace, with its clear line of sight to the Giza Pyramids, was a personal highlight.
They’re currently constructing a pedestrian walkway that will eventually connect GEM directly to the pyramids—a brilliant idea, though it’s still under construction at the time of this writing.
Grand Egyptian Museum Tours & Tickets
The Return Journey (and a Quick Tip)
Leaving the museum turned out to be trickier than arriving. Taxis cluster near the entrance, and many drivers will approach you directly. Just say “La, shukran” (no, thank you) if you’re not interested, and wait for an Uber or use a trusted taxi service.
We made it back safely. The day had been long, but every moment felt worth it.
Why You Should Go
The Grand Egyptian Museum is already a must-see—and it’s not even finished yet. Whether you’re a history buff, a casual tourist, or someone just curious about human achievement, the GEM offers a profound and accessible entry into one of the world’s most enduring civilizations.
I recommend dedicating a full day to the experience. It’s air-conditioned (a major plus in Egypt), there are places to eat, and the gift shop is genuinely delightful—we picked up framed papyrus with our names in hieroglyphics for a surprisingly reasonable price.
This was a 10 out of 10 experience. Once the Tutankhamun exhibit and the remaining wings open, I fully expect the Grand Egyptian Museum to take its place among the world’s great cultural institutions—right up there with the Louvre, the British Museum, and the Met.
And if I ever find myself back in Egypt, you can bet I’ll be going again.
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