After decades of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has begun welcoming visitors through its doors, marking a new era for Egypt's archaeological treasures. O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader Amr Amr—who has guided travelers through Egypt's wonders for eight years on our Ancient Egypt & the Nile River adventure—shared his impressions of this monumental addition to Cairo's cultural landscape.
Amr Shanin has been a Trip Experience Leader for O.A.T’s Ancient Egypt & the Nile River adventure for eight years.
"I am most impressed by GEM's spectacular construction and the captivating way its artifacts are displayed," said Amr, whose groups have been among the first international visitors to experience the museum since its soft opening in October 2024.
The museum's location, overlooking the Pyramids of Giza, represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. "The Grand Egyptian Museum was a necessary addition, as the old museum was overcrowded with artifacts," Amr explained. "The GEM, with its wonderful location overlooking the Pyramids of Giza and its modern environmental controls, ensures the best possible preservation of Egypt's ancient treasures."
For O.A.T. travelers embarking on both our Ancient Egypt & the Nile River and Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht adventures, the museum visit comes early in their itinerary. This timing is intentional, as Amr noted: "Visiting the GEM early in the trip offers a wonderful introduction to the history of the pharaohs and establishes a delightful tone for the entire journey."
The response from travelers has been overwhelmingly positive. "My groups consistently describe the museum as mesmerizing," Amr said. This enthusiasm is reflected in recent traveler reviews, suggesting that the GEM is already achieving its goal of providing a world-class showcase for Egypt's archaeological wonders.
While many of the museum's galleries are now open to the public, some sections remain under development. Most notably, the King Tutankhamun collection has yet to make its highly anticipated move to its new home. However, Amr assured that travelers won't miss out on seeing these iconic artifacts: "The King Tutankhamun collection can be easily visited on any free afternoon during the trip."
For Amr, the Grand Staircase stands out as a particular highlight. This architectural feature serves as both a stunning centerpiece and a chronological journey through ancient Egyptian history, displaying artifacts as visitors ascend.
Despite the museum's vast scale, visitor comfort was carefully considered in its design. "I always assure my travelers that despite the museum's size and the length of the visit, ample amenities are provided to ensure their comfort," Amr said. "It's akin to a pleasant outing, with restaurants, shops, restrooms, golf carts, escalators, and elevators available, all while maintaining the museum's authenticity."
The October soft opening came as a surprise to many, including local tourism professionals. While an official grand opening date has yet to be announced, the partial opening has already allowed thousands of visitors to experience this remarkable institution. "No one knows exactly when the GEM will be officially open," Amr noted, referring to the completion of all galleries.
When fully opened, the Grand Egyptian Museum will be the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Its 500,000 square meters of space will house more than 100,000 artifacts, many of which will be on public display for the first time. The museum's modern facilities and careful environmental controls ensure that these priceless artifacts will be preserved for future generations while remaining accessible to today's visitors.
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum during our Ancient Egypt & the Nile River adventure.
