The Grand Egyptian Museum is Now Open

After more than 20 years under construction, the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) – built just 1.2 miles northwest of the Giza pyramid complex – has finally opened most of its galleries to the public for an indefinite trial run. What’s more, last week some lucky Odysseys travelers were among the first to experience the GEM for themselves, with guests on all of our future Egypt small group tours slated to visit the GEM, as well.

The Grand Egyptian Museum Authority announced the GEM’s trial opening in an October 17 press release, which reads in part:

The Grand Egyptian Museum Authority is excited to announce trial operations of its Main Galleries, starting from October 16th, 2024, offering visitors an exclusive preview of twelve meticulously curated exhibition halls. This trial phase is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless visitor experience ahead of its highly anticipated official opening.

The press release continues:

The Grand Egyptian Museum’s (GEM) Main Galleries take guests on an extraordinary journey through millennia of history, spanning from prehistoric times (700,000 BC) to the Roman era (circa 394 AD). Visitors will encounter a rich array of artifacts, presented within three interconnected themes—Kingship, Society, and Beliefs—revealing how these elements shaped the dynamic relationship between ancient Egyptian kings, their subjects, and the gods.

At 5,300,000 ft², the sprawling GEM is the largest archaeological museum complex in the world with a collection that includes over 100,000 priceless artifacts spanning 700,000 years of Egyptian history. Join us on our Egypt & the Eternal Nile or Treasures of Egypt small group tour in 2025 to experience the magnificent GEM with Odysseys Unlimited.

Please note: While we expect to visit the GEM on all future Egypt & the Eternal Nile and Treasures of Egypt small group tours, the opening is in a trail stage which means it could abruptly close for further enhancements.  In addition, the Tutankhamun Gallery is not yet open.  You will still see King Tut’s artifacts – including the famed golden mask – as long as they remain at the Cairo Egyptian Museum, which guests on both tours will visit on Day 3.