The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), set to open on July 3, 2025, will soon present the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun to the public for the first time. T
his momentous occasion follows a century of anticipation since the tomb of the famous pharaoh was discovered by Howard Carter and Hussein Abdel-Rassoul in 1922, revealing over 5,000 items of unimaginable wealth.
A Monumental Project Over Two Decades in the Making
Spanning 90,000 square meters across a 50-hectare site, the Grand Egyptian Museum is poised to become one of the largest and most significant cultural institutions in the world.
The project, which began in 2005, has faced numerous setbacks, including the 2008 financial crisis, the Arab Spring, and the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a delay of nearly 21 years.
Despite these challenges, the museum is now ready to open, with 11 out of its 12 galleries already partially open to the public.
According to AD Middle East, these galleries present over 100,000 artifacts, showcasing the vast history of Ancient Egypt from the Prehistoric period to the Greco-Roman era.
The opening of the museum’s final section, which will feature the treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb, marks the culmination of a decades-long journey.
Extraordinary Treasures in an Extraordinary Setting
The museum is located just one mile north of the Great Pyramids of Giza, offering visitors an unparalleled experience. As they enter, they are greeted by a monumental 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs.
This colossal statue, weighing 83 tons, was carefully transported from a temporary site in Giza to its new home in the museum, arriving in 2018.
The museum’s Grand Staircase, an architectural marvel, rises six storeys high and leads visitors to a series of 12 exhibition halls. Along the staircase, visitors will pass statues of the legendary rulers of Ancient Egypt, including Khufu, Akhenaten, and Hatshepsut.
The staircase culminates in a stunning view of the pyramids, connecting the museum to the ancient wonders.
The Full Display of Tutankhamun’s Treasures
Perhaps the most anticipated moment of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening is the presentation of Tutankhamun’s entire collection. For the first time, all of the 5,000 items from his tomb will be displayed across two massive halls.
These items, ranging from golden jewelry to chariots and garments, were meant to accompany the boy king into the afterlife and offer an extraordinary glimpse into the wealth and artistry of the 18th Dynasty.
Visitors can expect to see the iconic golden death mask alongside a range of other exquisite pieces, each meticulously preserved for almost a century.
The solar barque of Khufu, a 44-meter-long wooden vessel, will also be showcased, offering a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.
An Investment in Egypt’s Cultural Future
With a construction cost of around $1 billion, the Grand Egyptian Museum represents not only an architectural and cultural achievement but also a major investment in Egypt’s future.
The Egyptian government aims to attract five million visitors annually, turning the museum into a key pillar of the nation’s tourism industry.
The museum will feature state-of-the-art technology, including virtual reality experiences and multimedia displays, to provide a more interactive and immersive understanding of Egypt’s ancient civilization.
Whether visitors are exploring Tutankhamun’s tomb or walking through the museum’s reconstructed halls, the GEM promises an experience unlike any other in the world.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, with its expansive collection and innovative design, is set to become a central hub for understanding the profound impact of ancient Egypt on world history.
