The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo has officially opened its doors, marking a historic moment for global culture and archaeology. On its very first day, the museum welcomed an astounding 40,000 visitors, all eager to witness the unparalleled collection of ancient treasures.
A Journey to Eternity Begins
The museum's opening on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, was a landmark event. For the first time since their discovery, the complete collection of artefacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun is displayed together. The boy-king's solution for the afterlife was to take everything with him, resulting in a staggering 5,000 items being buried alongside him, from full-size chariots to his iconic golden funerary mask.
Dawn Gibson-Fawcett, a Cairo resident for five years, documented the phased unveiling of the mega-museum since early 2023. She secured tickets for a guided tour on the inaugural public day to experience the culmination of this project firsthand.
Exploring 7000 Years of Civilisation
The tour, led by Egyptologist Shrouk Mamdouh, began in the vast central atrium, dominated by a red granite colossus of Ramesses the Great. Visitors are transported via a travelator alongside the grand staircase, which symbolises the steps to eternity for the pharaohs.
The staircase is lined with larger-than-life statues of royalty, temples, and gods. From the top, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the Pyramids of Giza, located just 2km away. The main galleries narrate the epic story of 7000 years of Egyptian civilisation, featuring fascinating exhibits like Canopic jars, a mummified crocodile, and a sandstone statue of Tutankhamun's father, King Akhenaten.
Top Sights in the Tutankhamun Galleries
The highlight for many is the dedicated Tutankhamun Galleries. Visitors are immediately struck by the Pharaoh's collection of four gilded wooden shrines. The largest is a monumental 5 metres long and over 3 metres wide, decorated in a stunning pattern of gold and turquoise.
Next, his three nested coffins are displayed. The two outer coffins are made of gilded wood, while the innermost is crafted from 110kg of solid gold. Although Tutankhamun's mummy remains in the Valley of the Kings for preservation, the galleries house other masterpieces.
One of the most beautiful is the ceremonial throne, overlaid with embossed gold and inlaid with lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise. The climax of the tour is the encounter with the world-famous funerary mask. Weighing 10kg and made of solid gold, the mask was designed to ensure the Pharaoh's soul would recognise him in the afterlife.
Despite the crowds, seeing this iconic artefact up close in its new, grand home is a magical and timeless experience.
Planning Your Visit
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located about 30 minutes from downtown Cairo and only 2km from the Pyramids. Tickets and 90-minute guided tours can be booked in advance through the official website: visit-gem.com.
