The Grand Egyptian Museum Opens This November — A New Chapter in Egypt's Ancient Story
The GEM (perfect acronym!) is built just outside Cairo close to the world-famous Giza Pyramids. The museum will officially open to the public on November 1, 2025. It is being touted as a game-changer for both global tourism which will add to Egypt's landmark.
So why is the world waiting for it? Because it's not just a museum but a tribute to one of the most interesting civilizations in history! Let's have a look what makes it so special:
World's largest museum dedicated to one civilization
Yes, you read that right! Once launched, the GEM will become the largest museum in the world dedicated to one single civilization as it is built in a huge 50 hectares at the edge of the Giza Plateau.
For those who don't know, the has been under construction from past 20 years now! There had been multiple issues and delays mainly because of political tensions and money, among others.
Commendable architecture
You'll not believe your eyes when you see the museum's architecture which is commendable! It has been built in a modern, angular design which mirrors the geometry of the pyramids. You can walk through the main entrance, and be welcomed by a towering 83-ton red granite statue of Ramesses II.
It dominates the Grand Hall like a sentinel of the ancient world.
Tutankhamun Experience
One of the many draws of the museum is the Tutankhamun Experience! There is a full display of King Tutankhamun's collection which is like over a thousand objects that were found in his tomb. As of now, very little of these collections were on display at the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.
But it will be the first time ever that visitors will get a closer look into Tutankhamun's golden funerary mask, his jewelry, weapons, chariots, and other items. Every item here tells tales from the past. It's a priceless collection and is so huge that it is enough to fill a museum!
3,000+ Years of History on Display
As of now, the museum will showcase more than 100,000 artifacts.
These are set across 12 expansive galleries and the exhibitions are built around three core themes namely Kingship, Society, and Beliefs.
What sets GEM apart from other museums is how it blends ancient artifacts with modern storytelling. There will be immersive displays and interactive exhibits too.
Soft launch in 2024
A soft launch was done in late 2024. It offered visitors a peek into the lives of Egyptians from the bygone time.
During that phase, guests were allowed to explore select areas like the Grand Staircase, gift shops, cafes, and a few main galleries. But the full museum — including the complete Tutankhamun wing and several immersive experiences — will finally be open this November.
In addition to the museum, the area has gardens, educational centers, restaurants, and more. The museum is also expected to significantly boost tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually.
The GEM promises to be well worth the wait! So if you're planning a trip to Egypt anytime this year, November is the best time to go.
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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
The Grand Egyptian Museum Opens This November — A New Chapter in Egypt's Ancient Story
It's finally happening! The much-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is all set to open this November. It won't be wrong to say that it is Egypt's most ambitious cultural project and the whole world was eagerly waiting for it. The GEM (perfect acronym!) is built just outside Cairo close to the world-famous Giza Pyramids. The museum will officially open to the public on November 1, 2025. It is being touted as a game-changer for both global tourism which will add to Egypt's landmark. So why is the world waiting for it? Because it's not just a museum but a tribute to one of the most interesting civilizations in history! Let's have a look what makes it so special: World's largest museum dedicated to one civilization Yes, you read that right! Once launched, the GEM will become the largest museum in the world dedicated to one single civilization as it is built in a huge 50 hectares at the edge of the Giza Plateau. For those who don't know, the has been under construction from past 20 years now! There had been multiple issues and delays mainly because of political tensions and money, among others. Commendable architecture You'll not believe your eyes when you see the museum's architecture which is commendable! It has been built in a modern, angular design which mirrors the geometry of the pyramids. You can walk through the main entrance, and be welcomed by a towering 83-ton red granite statue of Ramesses II. It dominates the Grand Hall like a sentinel of the ancient world. Tutankhamun Experience One of the many draws of the museum is the Tutankhamun Experience! There is a full display of King Tutankhamun's collection which is like over a thousand objects that were found in his tomb. As of now, very little of these collections were on display at the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. But it will be the first time ever that visitors will get a closer look into Tutankhamun's golden funerary mask, his jewelry, weapons, chariots, and other items. Every item here tells tales from the past. It's a priceless collection and is so huge that it is enough to fill a museum! 3,000+ Years of History on Display As of now, the museum will showcase more than 100,000 artifacts. These are set across 12 expansive galleries and the exhibitions are built around three core themes namely Kingship, Society, and Beliefs. What sets GEM apart from other museums is how it blends ancient artifacts with modern storytelling. There will be immersive displays and interactive exhibits too. Soft launch in 2024 A soft launch was done in late 2024. It offered visitors a peek into the lives of Egyptians from the bygone time. During that phase, guests were allowed to explore select areas like the Grand Staircase, gift shops, cafes, and a few main galleries. But the full museum — including the complete Tutankhamun wing and several immersive experiences — will finally be open this November. In addition to the museum, the area has gardens, educational centers, restaurants, and more. The museum is also expected to significantly boost tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually. The GEM promises to be well worth the wait! So if you're planning a trip to Egypt anytime this year, November is the best time to go.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Egypt set to inaugurate ‘billion-dollar' antiquities museum near pyramids
Egypt set Nov. 1 for the formal opening of its billion-dollar antiquities museum, after the war between Israel and Iran delayed plans to hold the long-awaited event this summer. Located a mile from the Giza pyramids, the museum is expected to give a significant boost to the North African nation's tourism industry.(Unsplash/representational) The new inauguration date for the Grand Egyptian Museum was approved by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, with government ministries ordered to make preparations, Egypt's cabinet said Wednesday in a statement. The GEM, located a mile from the Giza pyramids and in the works for about two decades, is expected to give a significant boost to the North African nation's crucial tourism industry. The government canceled the initial July 3 opening date, citing regional tensions. The move came after Israel struck the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities in June, embroiling the two nations in a 12-day conflict. Egyptian authorities envisage the 120-acre attraction, where many exhibitions halls are already open, will bring in 5 million annual visitors. Billed as the world's largest archaeological museum, it's set to display some 100,000 artifacts, including items from King Tutankhamun's tomb. Egypt's tourism industry has proved resilient, despite turmoil elsewhere in the Middle East. The government is predicting a record 18 million arrivals in 2025.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
Good news for exporters, jewellery hand carriage facilitation centre opened at Terminal 2 of Mumbai international airport
Mumbai: In a move set to significantly enhance India's gem and jewellery export infrastructure, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in collaboration with Mumbai Customs, inaugurated the Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Wednesday. Recognising the strategic importance of enabling seamless hand carriage, GJEPC secured and equipped a dedicated space at the airport. With the premises now officially notified as a customs area and Bharat Diamond Bourse appointed as custodian, the centre is fully operational, offering 24x7 services for jewellery hand carriage exports and imports. The launch of this dedicated facility follows a push by the GJEPC to address logistical and regulatory challenges associated with high-value, hand-carried gem and jewellery consignments. Mumbai, which accounts for nearly 65%–70% of India's gem and jewellery exports, saw shipments worth $19.65 billion from the western region in 2024–25. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Ashok Gajera, managing director of Laxmi Diamond, one of the largest export houses, said, "The new centre provides a single-window clearance system with integrated support from Mumbai Customs, CISF, police, and airport authorities. It will streamline high-value exports, reduce paperwork, and significantly cut turnaround time, offering exporters both transparency and operational ease." Gajera explained that earlier when there were orders from clients, jewellery or samples would have to be exported, and the businessman would fly out later once the jewellery reached the destination. This, he said, was not only a "time-consuming affair" but also a "tedious one". GJEPC chairman Kirit Bhansali said, "This milestone is part of the council's wider commitment to ease of doing business. Alongside the e-commerce channel, hand carriage will prove vital for MSMEs and for high-value shipments, especially to FTA partner nations, such as UAE under CEPA, Australia under ECTA, and the UK. It's faster, more cost-effective, and flexible — ideal for urgent global orders." Personal carriage of jewellery for export is currently permitted at nine locations under India's Foreign Trade Policy — Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. Imports are allowed at seven airports. However, fully operational hand carriage centres are presently available only in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jaipur. GJEPC noted that this facility is part of a broader rollout across nine Indian cities, in alignment with the govt's thrust on improving export competitiveness and simplifying procedures.
