Sneak Peek: The New Grand Egyptian Museum

What’s ancient and modern at the same time? Where can travelers gaze at incredible ancient artifacts nestled in a cutting-edge, modern architectural structure? That’s the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Atop the Giza plain, this new attraction isn’t simply a museum. Instead, it seems more a “time warp” that transports visitors into the world of the ancient pharaohs.

(Pharaohs and ancient history take center stage at the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Photo by Susan J. Young.)

First Look: New Grand Egyptian Museum

This razzle-dazzle museum with a cutting-edge design is now open in its first phase. While a few galleries have yet to open, believe us when we say, “There’s plenty to wow visitors during this stage.”

The Meandering Traveler visited on a Viking excursion during an abbreviated “Pharaohs & Pyramids” river cruise trip in late 2024. So, if you too are headed for Egypt on an escorted tour, ocean cruise port of call, or a river cruise itinerary, be thinking of this new museum for your “must see, must do” list.

Not booked as yet on an Egypt vacation? No problem. “Simply contact one of our skilled personal travel planners for assistance in setting it up,” suggests Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “Soon, you’ll be heading inside this enticing new museum outside Cairo to explore a world of ancient wonders.”

Ramses II and Grand Staircase

While the museum is expected to eventually house 100,000+ ancient artifacts, there’s plenty to admire right now. As visitors stroll into the museum, they’ll immediately be greeted by a humongous, 3,200-year-old statue of Pharaoh Rameses II.

Just beyond the Ramses II statue, guests will enter the “tickets only” main galleries of the museum. Awaiting them and connecting the galleries is a cascading grand staircase.

Rising six stories in height, it’s a bit akin to a grand procession with 60 ancient artifacts. So, get ready to meet the kings, queens, gods and other rulers of ancient Egypt. Each section of the upward journey provides close-up encounters with well-preserved ancient statues.

View of the Pyramids

Reaching the top of the staircase, visitors will see light streaming in from a large expanse of glass. At that spot, travelers look out to views of the Pyramids of Giza, about a mile north of the museum.

That said, simply seeing so many incredible ancient statues level after level is equally spectacular. For those who don’t want to walk upward or walk that far, a moving flat escalator with a vertical slant is conveniently adjacent to the staircase.

Also nearby is a glass-enclosed elevator which also moves up to the next level (or to the next two levels) on a vertical slant. These elevators proved quite handy for those who couldn’t or didn’t want to make the upward or downward walk. They’re also designed to accommodate visitors who use a walker or wheelchair.

No matter if you opt to climb the staircase or ride up to the top of it, you’ll likely “ooh” and “aah” at the displays of statues — one right after the other. They just keep on coming.

Another perk at the museum is the opportunity to view the world’s only hanging obelisk. Just think of the new GEM attraction as a great way to explore Egypt’s rich history — from prehistoric times to the Roman era.

Currently, visitor access at GEM is available for the Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, several galleries, a commercial area including a cafe and boutique, as well as exterior gardens.  

Coming: King Tut and Khufu Ship

Not open yet at press time were spaces dedicated to the King Tutankhamun collection. Thousands of items are being relocated from other museums and sites across Egypt.

Eventually, travelers will gaze at everything from jewels to chariots and more. King Tut, also called the “boy king,” died at the young age of 19.

Another area not yet open is a gallery expected to house a reconstructed Khufu ship, called a solar barque. The ancient Egyptians thought these were ships of the Sun God Ra.

For history buffs, venturing to the new museum is a “must-see-must-do” activity. We can’t wait to go back, frankly. For more information, visit the official GEM website.

Many travel suppliers provide opportunities for guests to tour the museum either on an included tour or an optional shore excursion that includes transportation to the museum.

One factoid that’s good to know: There’s no issue taking noncommercial personal photos with a mobile phone.

But on our tour, our Viking guide informed us that other types of personal cameras (even just a simple, point-and-snap camera that one fellow guest had that wasn’t a mobile phone), as well professional cameras/camera lights, tripods and drones are strictly prohibited. This policy is also listed on the GEM website, and she added that it’s strictly enforced.

Travel to See the New Grand Egyptian Museum

So, what options do you have for traveling to Egypt, seeing the museum and enjoying more sights and activities in the Cairo area or on a Nile River cruise.

“Definitely talk with your professional travel advisor about a vacation that includes Cairo and the opportunity to explore this new museum on the Giza plain,” says Pavlus Travel‘s Steudle.

Here are a few choices, but feel free to chat with your personal travel planner about other Egypt and Nile River vacation options.

• Viking‘s 12-day “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary roundtrip from Cairo. Pricing, at press time, started at $5,999 per person, double occupancy.
• AmaWaterways‘ 12-day “Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary roundtrip from Cairo. Prices on several dates began at $5,055 per person, double occupancy, at press time. Check out a previous blog about this river line’s Egypt developments.
• Tauck‘s 10-day “Egypt: Jewels of the Nile” classic escorted land package. At press time, pricing started at $9,690 per person, double occupancy.

“Certainly, the new Grand Egyptian Museum is a big draw for travelers who love ancient history, viewing artifacts, and delving into tales of the past,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “But there’s so much more beyond that.”

Steudle cites “watching a sunset over the Nile, learning more about culinary traditions, exploring ancient temples with an archaeologist, strolling through local markets, and even hopping on a camel for a quick ride in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza. So, call us today.”

Important Information from Pavlus Travel