Grand Egyptian Museum
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Grand Egyptian Museum

Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum sits at the edge of the Giza plateau, within sight of the Pyramids, and is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Its collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts is the most comprehensive anywhere, built around the complete contents of Tutankhamun's tomb (5,000 objects) and supplemented by pieces transferred from the Egyptian Museum downtown and from storage.

The building itself is dramatic — a glass and stone structure that slopes down toward the pyramids, designed to make the monuments part of the experience even from inside. The main atrium contains a colossal statue of Ramses II that serves as the museum's centrepiece.

Given the scale, plan for at least a half day — a full day if you want to be thorough. Combined ticket options are available with the Giza pyramid site next door. The museum is best reached by taxi or tour from central Cairo.

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A story
The Grand Egyptian Museum was under construction for over 20 years and cost more than one billion dollars, making it one of the most expensive museum projects in history. Its completion was repeatedly delayed; partial openings began in 2021. The full Tutankhamun collection — all 5,000 objects from the tomb, many previously in storage — is finally on display together for the first time since their discovery in 1922.