I recently had the opportunity to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which officially opened in November 2025 and was previously featured in this blog. I would like to share some impressions from my visit.
Taking advantage of my summer vacation, I spent half a day exploring the museum at a leisurely pace.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located in the Giza district, home to the famous pyramids. One of the first things that impressed me was the vast plaza stretching from the entrance gate to the museum building itself. An ancient obelisk stands prominently in the square, giving visitors the sense that the museum is not only a showcase of archaeological treasures but also an exhibition of innovative contemporary architecture.
Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a spectacular open-air atrium that immediately conveys the immense scale of the building. I found myself wondering about the cost of air conditioning such a massive space, but any such concern was quickly overshadowed by admiration for its grandeur.
The museum’s location also allows visitors to enjoy rest areas with panoramic views of the pyramids. The exhibition spaces, arranged across terraced and multi-level floors, offer a visual experience quite different from that of traditional museums. In addition to viewing the artifacts, visitors can appreciate the museum’s architectural design itself.
The Tutankhamun Gallery is particularly impressive. Alongside the many dazzling treasures recovered from the king’s tomb, the exhibition also explains aspects of daily life, religious rituals, and the archaeological discoveries that brought these artifacts to light. Previously, only part of the collection had been displayed, but with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, these invaluable artifacts can now be viewed together in one place.
Egyptian civilization began more than 5,000 years ago, around 3000 BCE. Many mysteries remain unsolved, including details of how the pyramids were constructed and organized internally. Even today, new tombs continue to be discovered in Luxor, reminding visitors of the extraordinary achievements and enduring fascination of a civilization that spanned more than three millennia.
I have also visited the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which opened in 1902. While very different from the Grand Egyptian Museum, it has its own distinctive charm and atmosphere steeped in history. Some artifacts are displayed without protective cases, allowing visitors to feel a closer connection to the ancient world, as though the warm air of the museum itself carries echoes of thousands of years of history.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo remains open today, and I would highly recommend visiting both museums. Each offers a unique perspective on Egypt’s remarkable heritage, and together they provide a richer and more rewarding experience.
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