The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza is being opened in stages. In AE 138, I reported on my first visit there; at the time, only the interior atrium was open to the public. Subsequently, the Grand Staircase was opened, followed by 11 of the 12 Main Galleries in October 2024. When the museum is finally officially opened (on 3 July this year, according to recent announcements), it will also display the entire Tutankhamun collection together for the first time, plus the two solar boats originally found beside Khufu’s Great Pyramid. At present, you can buy a ticket either online, in advance, or in person on the day, either to visit on your own or to join a guided 90-minute tour in English or Arabic.
Arriving at the Museum
As I reported previously, no cameras are allowed inside the museum, but you may freely use your phone for photography. If you have brought a camera with you, you must leave it with security and collect it when you leave. No photography restrictions apply in other museums in Cairo, such as at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) or the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. I hope that the policy is changed and cameras are allowed when the GEM officially opens.
I was pleased to see that the hanging obelisk of Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 BC), erected in front of the museum’s entrance, is no longer roped off. It is now possible to stand inside the pedestal supporting the obelisk, and look up to see Ramesses’ cartouches inscribed on the obelisk’s base. They are difficult to read, but I could see hints of Usermaatra on the left, and Ramesses on the right.
