What are the highlights and must-see exhibits at the Grand Egyptian Museum?

Major Highlights:

1. King Tutankhamun Galleries (Most Important)​

The museum’s crown jewel features the complete collection of 5,398 artifacts from the tomb of the young pharaoh, displayed together for the first time since Howard Carter’s discovery in 1922.​

Must-See Items:

• The Golden Death Mask – The iconic mask of Tutankhamun, the most famous artifact from ancient Egypt

• Golden Sarcophagi and Shrines – Elaborate funerary structures crafted from precious materials

• Royal Chariots – Beautifully preserved chariots meant to accompany the pharaoh to the afterlife

• Jewelry and Personal Items – Precious ornaments, amulets, and accessories

• Furniture and Household Objects – Items prepared for the pharaoh’s use in the afterlife

• Tutankhamun’s Armor – Remarkable armor crafted from textiles and leather

• Sarcophagi and Coffins – Inner coffins and burial containers

• Statues and Religious Objects – Spiritual items meant to protect and honor the young king

Recommended Time: Allow 2 hours minimum for the Tutankhamun galleries​

2. Grand Hall and Ramses II Statue​

The entrance features an 83-ton granite statue of Ramses II standing 11 meters (36 feet) tall, welcoming visitors with the power and scale of ancient Egypt’s greatest pharaoh.

Features:

• Monumental sculpture dominating the atrium

• Represents Egypt’s most iconic ruler

• One of the largest statues ever created in ancient Egypt

3. The Grand Staircase​

A breathtaking architectural feature lined with statues of ancient kings and queens, plus divine and royal busts from throughout Egyptian history.

Highlights:

• Multiple statues representing different dynasties

• Chronological journey through Egypt’s royal lineage

• Beautiful views connecting to upper galleries

4. Khufu’s Solar Boat (King’s Boat Museum)​

The 42-meter (138-foot) long reconstructed wooden vessel is one of the most remarkable artifacts from ancient Egypt.

Details:

• Age: 4,600 years old

• Purpose: Built to carry the soul of King Khufu to the afterlife

• Preservation: A marvel of ancient wooden craftsmanship

• Exhibit Design: Enormous dedicated space allowing 360-degree viewing

• Location: Dedicated museum section within the complex

5. The Suspended Obelisk of Ramses II​

A 16-meter (52-foot) suspended obelisk of Pharaoh Ramesses II with a unique feature:

• Allows visitors to view the pharaoh’s cartouche from below through a glass floor

• The world’s first suspended obelisk displayed this way

• 3,200 years old

6. Ramses II’s Monumental Statue​

An 11-meter (36-foot) high statue of Ramses II underwent complex relocation from near the Cairo railway station in 2006 to be housed in the museum.

7. The 12 Main Exhibition Halls​

These galleries are organized chronologically and thematically, covering:

Hall Themes Include:

• Royal Image: How pharaohs portrayed themselves (royal statues and reliefs)

• Divine Houses: Temples and relationships between gods and pharaohs (religious artwork)

• Gods & Kings: Ancient Egyptian deities and their associations with rulers

• Funerary Section: Stone coffins and sarcophagi from various eras

• Prehistoric to Early Dynastic Periods

• Old Kingdom Treasures

• Middle Kingdom Collections

• New Kingdom Artifacts

• Late Period Exhibits

• Greco-Roman Period Collections

Span: Covers approximately one-third of the museum’s total grounds, displaying over 24,000 artifacts​

8. Interactive and Immersive Experiences​

HoloLens Pyramid Experience:

• Wear smart glasses for an augmented reality journey

• Watch the construction of the pyramids come alive with holographic visualization

• Narrated by Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy

• Experience limestone blocks being lifted into place

• See ancient engineers and laborers appear around you

• Fully immersive 3D simulation experience

9. Recently Restored and Never-Before-Displayed Items​

The museum showcases approximately 20,000 artifacts displayed for the first time, including:

• The second solar ship of Khufu

• The complete collection of Queen Hetepheres (mother of King Khufu)

• The collection of Yuya and Thuya (parents of Queen Tiye)

• Previously unseen pieces from ancient storage

10. Pyramid Views​

Large windows on the upper floors offer unobstructed views of the Giza Pyramids, allowing visitors to connect the displayed artifacts with the monumental structures outside.

Visitor Recommendations:

Time Allocation:

• Minimum Visit: 3-4 hours

• Comprehensive Visit: 5-6 hours

• Tutankhamun Galleries Only: 2 hours

Suggested Itinerary:​

1. Start with Tutankhamun Galleries – Begin here to have enough time for the most important collection

2. View Grand Hall and Ramses II Statue – Impressive entrance experience

3. Explore the Grand Staircase – Connect different gallery levels

4. Visit the 12 Main Exhibition Halls – Chronological journey through Egyptian history

5. See Khufu’s Solar Boat – Dedicated museum section

6. Experience the HoloLens Pyramid Experience – Interactive exhibit

7. View Pyramid Vistas – Enjoy views of the Giza Pyramids

8. Rest in Gardens – Explore exterior gardens and outdoor sculptures

Planning Your Visit:

For the best experience:

1. Book Through Official Website: www.visit-gem.com
   • Reserve your preferred time slot in advance

   • Allocate sufficient time for comprehensive exploration

2. Guided Tours Available: Book through Grand Egyptian Museum guided tours
   • Expert guides provide context and stories behind artifacts

   • Highlight key pieces and save time

   • Available in multiple languages

3. Download the Official App: Access detailed information about exhibits before visiting

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The museum is vast; expect considerable walking

5. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit

Not to Miss:

• The Golden Mask of Tutankhamun – The most iconic artifact in human history

• Tutankhamun’s Golden Sarcophagi – Magnificent burial containers

• Khufu’s Solar Boat – One of the world’s oldest and best-preserved vessels

• The Suspended Obelisk – Unique architectural feature

• Ramses II Statues – Monumental representations of Egypt’s greatest pharaoh

• Royal Mummies Hall – Ancient Egyptian royalty preserved for millennia

• HoloLens Experience – Cutting-edge technology bringing history to life

Pro Tips:

• Arrive early (9:00-11:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) for quieter galleries

• The Tutankhamun collection is extremely popular; arrive during your booked time slot to secure good viewing spots

• Take breaks at cafes and rest areas throughout the museum

• Photography is permitted in most galleries (no flash); capture memories but also take time to observe in person

The Grand Egyptian Museum represents humanity’s most comprehensive collection of a single civilization’s treasures, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.