Set against the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum houses over 100,000 artefacts spanning 5,000 years of history, including King Tutankhamun’s complete collection and treasures from 30 ancient dynasties.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is said to be the largest global museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilisation, from prehistory to the end of the Greek and Roman periods.
Set against the backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, the GEM houses the entire Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time. Described as a bridge between the past and present, cutting-edge technology and immersive galleries bring 5,000 years of history to life for visitors.
King Tutankhamun’s complete treasure collection
One of the many highlights is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s artefacts which are on public display for the first time since the tomb’s discovery in 1922. The more than 5,000 artefacts from his tomb include the Golden Burial Mask which was placed over the head and shoulders of Tutankhamun’s mummified remains. Visitors can also see the Golden Throne which was found wrapped in linen.
Ancient Egyptian artefacts spanning 5,000 years
Covering four floors, the museum houses more than 100,000 artefacts from 30 dynasties of Ancient Egypt - they include King Khufu’s 4,500-year-old solar boat, said to be one of the oldest and best-preserved in the world. The first boat was discovered buried in a pit back in 1954 and it took more than a decade to reassemble the 42 metre wooden structure.
The impressive ‘hanging obelisk’ dominates the exterior of the museum. Said to be the first elevated obelisk in Egypt, placed in a 30,000-metre piazza in front of the main entrance, the 87-tonne obelisk is a cultural symbol, thought to be a bridge to the heavens.
Spanning 500,000 square metres, the museum’s awe-inspiring sights include a giant staircase lined with statues of ancient kings and queens including God Ptah, King Ramesses II and Goddess Sekhmet.
History and development of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The vision was first conceived back in 1992 when 117 acres of land was allocated near the Giza pyramids. But it wasn’t until 2002 when the foundation stone was laid, marking the start of a long journey filled with challenges and ambitions
Between 2005 and 2008, construction began on the museum which was designed by Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng after it won the international competition for the project.
Visitor facilities
Visitors can choose from a selection of two fine dining restaurants overlooking the Pyramids said to offer a ‘world-class gastronomical experience’ and other eateries including coffee shops, cafes and an Italian gelato.
There are also a number of shops and gardens to explore including The Sculpture Garden which takes you on a trail through Egyptian horticulture.
For more information about the Grand Eygptian Museum including group visits, click here.
