Located near the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) brings together for the first time all 50,000 artifacts from King Tutankhamun's tomb, opening a new chapter for cultural tourism.
A New Door to Ancient Egypt
After two decades of waiting, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a cultural project of the era, has officially opened. Located only about 2 km from the Giza Pyramids, this giant museum is the first place in the world to display the entire collection of treasures from the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun.
With an area of nearly 500,000 m² and an investment cost of billions of dollars, GEM is not only the world's largest museum dedicated to a civilization but also a comprehensive experience, taking visitors on a journey back in time to discover priceless heritages.
Journey of discovery inside the museum
Great Hall and Statue of Ramses II
As soon as you enter the main entrance, you are greeted by the majestic presence of the 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II. The colossal granite statue, weighing 83 tons and standing 11 meters high, stands majestically in the center of the Great Hall, a salute from the glorious past.
Further into the main hall, a row of other pharaoh statues continues to lead the way, creating an overwhelming and inspiring space.
The Grand Staircase: The Road to the Pharaohs
One of the architectural highlights of GEM is the Grand Staircase, which covers an area of 6,000m² and is as high as a 6-storey building. More than 60 impressive artifacts, from royal statues to stone tablets and sarcophagi, are displayed along the walkway. In particular, when reaching the top of the stairs, a spectacular view of the Giza Pyramids appears, perfectly connecting ancient heritage and modern exhibition space.
Focus: Tutankhamun's Treasures
King Tutankhamun, the boy pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, was immortalized by the discovery of his almost intact tomb in 1922. At GEM, his entire treasure trove is brought together for the first time, offering an unprecedented glimpse into ancient Egyptian royal life.
Immortal golden mask
The most notable masterpiece is the mask of King Tutankhamun. Crafted from 11 kg of solid gold and decorated with precious stones, the mask covers the head and shoulders of the mummy, depicting the boy king with the cobra and vulture symbol on his forehead – symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.
The Coffin and the Throne of Power
Besides the mask, the pure gold coffin and Tutankhamun's throne are also highlights that cannot be missed. The throne is made of wood, covered with gold leaf and inlaid with silver and precious stones, with sophisticated lion carvings, representing the supreme authority of the pharaoh.
Everyday items
The collection also reveals aspects of the king’s daily life, such as a chess set intricately carved from wood and ivory. Their presence in the tomb suggests the king’s fondness for the game, even in the afterlife. Other artifacts, such as a winged scarab beetle and a vulture from the Valley of the Kings, also carry symbolic meaning and attract visitors’ curiosity.
Other masterpieces not to be missed
In addition to Tutankhamun's treasures, the GEM is home to many other sculptural masterpieces. Visitors can admire the statue of King Khafre, the builder of the Great Sphinx, or the unique statues of King Thutmose III and Akhenaten, each reflecting a distinct period of Egyptian art and history.
Useful information for tourists
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located about 20 km southwest of Cairo, making it convenient to combine a visit with the Giza Pyramids. Due to the sheer number of artifacts, visitors should spend at least half a day exploring the main areas. For the most accurate information on opening hours and ticket prices, visitors should check the museum's official website before their trip.