Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum: Tickets, Opening Hours, and Must-See Exhibits

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) beside the Giza pyramids is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation, and since its official opening in November 2025 it has become the first stop for most visitors to Egypt. Here is everything you need to plan your visit: official Grand Egyptian Museum tickets and prices, opening hours, how timed entry works, and the exhibits you should not miss.

Grand Egyptian Museum ticket prices (2026)

These are the prices shown on the museum’s official ticketing website for non-Egyptian visitors (“Arab or other nationality”) in October 2026. Egyptians and resident expatriates pay lower rates.

Your ticket covers the Tutankhamun Galleries, the Main Galleries, the Grand Hall, the Grand Staircase, the Khufu’s Boats Museum, the commercial area and the gardens. In addition, a guided tour ticket is sold. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, and valid ID is checked on site for reduced and free tickets.

How to book GEM tickets, step by step

1. Go to tickets.gem.eg – the museum states this is the only official website for tickets and it is not responsible for tickets bought elsewhere.
2. Choose Admission Ticket or Guided Tour Ticket.
3. Pick your visit date and an entry time slot. Slots run from 8:30 am, for example 8:30–11:00, 11:00–1:00 and later afternoon slots. The slot is only the time you enter – it does not limit how long you stay.
4. Select “Arab or Other Nationality” and the number of adults, students and children.
5. Add any extras, enter your contact details and pay by card. Your e-ticket arrives by email.

As a result, it pays to book a few days ahead in high season (October to April) and for weekends, when time slots fill fastest. If you travel with us, we book the tickets for you as part of the tour.

Opening hours

Last entry is one hour before the galleries close. For example, the late opening on Wednesdays and Saturdays is a great way to avoid the midday crowds after a morning at the pyramids. Also note that hours can change during Ramadan and on public holidays, so check the official website before your visit.

Must-see exhibits inside the Grand Egyptian Museum

1. Ramesses II in the Grand Hall

A colossal granite statue of Ramesses II, about 11 metres tall and some 83 tonnes, greets you in the atrium. Found at Memphis, it stood in Cairo’s Ramses Square for half a century before it was moved to the museum site. In addition, look outside for the suspended obelisk of Ramesses II, which lets you see the inscribed base from below.

2. The Grand Staircase

Six storeys of steps lined with dozens of statues, sarcophagi and architectural pieces, arranged by theme – kingship, gods and the afterlife. Finally, at the top, a huge window frames the Giza pyramids.

3. The Tutankhamun Galleries

For the first time, the complete funerary collection of Tutankhamun – more than 5,000 objects – is displayed together, a century after Howard Carter found the tomb in 1922. Highlights include the golden mask, the gilded shrines, the chariots, the beds and the young king’s jewellery. Therefore, allow at least an hour.

4. Khufu’s boat

The cedar boat buried beside the Great Pyramid about 4,500 years ago, discovered in 1954, now has its own museum within the GEM. It is one of the oldest and largest wooden vessels to survive from the ancient world.

5. The Main Galleries

Twelve galleries trace Egyptian history from prehistory to the Roman period, grouped around society, kingship and belief. However, if time is short, choose one or two themes that interest you most.

Photography rules and practical tips

• Photos: personal photos and videos on phones and cameras are allowed, except in designated areas of the Tutankhamun Galleries. Flash, tripods, selfie sticks, drones and live streaming are not permitted.
• Time: allow at least three to four hours; enthusiasts can spend a full day.
• Combine with the pyramids: the museum is about 2 km from the Giza plateau, so both fit into one day.
• Comfort: the galleries are air-conditioned – ideal for the hottest part of the day. Wear comfortable shoes; there are cafés and restaurants on site.
• Don’t confuse museums: the older Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is a separate museum with its own ticket.

Related reading: What to See at the Grand Egyptian Museum · How to Combine the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum

Frequently asked questions

How much are Grand Egyptian Museum tickets for foreigners?

EGP 1,570 for an adult, EGP 790 for students aged 13–24 and children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6 (official website prices, October 2026).

Where can I buy Grand Egyptian Museum tickets?

Only on the official website, tickets.gem.eg. The museum says it is not responsible for tickets bought on other platforms.

What are the Grand Egyptian Museum opening hours?

The galleries open 9:00 am–6:00 pm, and until 9:00 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Last entry is one hour before closing.

Is Tutankhamun’s golden mask in the Grand Egyptian Museum?

Yes. The golden mask is displayed in the Tutankhamun Galleries with the rest of the king’s funerary collection.

How long do you need at the Grand Egyptian Museum?

At least three to four hours for the highlights, including about an hour in the Tutankhamun Galleries.

Can I take photos inside the GEM?

Yes, for personal use, except in designated areas of the Tutankhamun Galleries. Flash, tripods, selfie sticks and drones are not allowed.

Sources & further reading

• Grand Egyptian Museum – Official Ticketing Website (prices, hours and rules)
• NBC News – Egypt’s Grand Museum opens with a huge spectacle
• Smithsonian Magazine – A sweeping transformation is underway at the Giza plateau

Written by the Deluxe Travel Egypt team and checked against the published sources above. Rules and prices can change, so always confirm with the official source before you travel. Last updated October 2026.