The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has opened the doors to twelve of its halls in a partial trial run, allowing the public to take a tour before its much anticipated grand opening. We were there to give you all the details about what to expect and where to linger as you walk through 5 thousand years of history.

In the middle of the entrance that gives way into the Great Hall is the Hanging Obelisk, a masterpiece to usher you in. The museum filed a patent for the obelisk’s construction, and its location in the middle of the entrance makes it visible from anywhere inside the museum.

THE GREAT HALL: A statue of King Ramses II greets you as you enter the main hall, towering at a length of 11 meters and weighing 85 tons. The hall also contains the Victory Column of King Merneptah, detailing the pharaoh’s victory over the Sea Peoples. Despite the heat and the fact that the hall isn’t air-conditioned, the building’s architecture disperses the sun’s rays, meaning that the temperature is 10 degrees lower than it is outside.

THE MAIN EXHIBITIONS: The main halls tell a story spanning lifetimes, and those open to visitors include 15k pieces from millennia before Christ and until the Roman Era. The artifacts tell the story of Egyptian kings, their people, and their gods. The splendor of the artifacts paints a picture of a broad historical narrative that allows visitors to explore the ancient Egyptian heritage in multiple ways, whether in chronological order, or by topic.

The first hall represents the era of power — pharaohs who oversaw the building of the pyramids, the craftsmen that left behind immortal pottery, sculptures, and tools. But weakness follows. From this hall, visitors will descend to explore this period before ascending through the other end towards recovery.

One hall is dedicated to religious expression, which includes ancient Egyptians’ pilgrimage to Abyados, made by pharaohs to pay tribute to the gods. The gods are on full display here, as are spiritual practices that governed the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

The hall of the modern state showcases the possessions of three pharaohs, the most important of which is Hatshepsut, the Queen of Peace, who established commercial trades by sea. Another is Akhenaten. His statue and belongings expressed his monotheistic belief in Aten. Succeeding pharaohs’ belongings return to the traditional pantheon.

The hall dedicated to the late era contains belongings that introduce foreign influence, first manifested in the inclusion of Roman-style portraits on coffins, then the sway of the Greeks, whose hyperrealistic skills echoed in our sculptures.

KHUFU’S SHIPS: If you cross the Great Hall, you’ll reach an exhibit dedicated to two ships. These vessels, called solar barges in connection to Ra, were buried alongside King Khufu near the Great Pyramid, intended to be used in the afterlife. One of the two ships on exhibit is well-preserved, while the other is in process of being restored. Visitors can watch experts as they try to return the ship back to its original glory.

THE GRAND STAIRCASE: To the left of the Great Hall is the Grand Staircase, which displays more than 60 royal statues and other unique artifacts, leading visitors through their discovery of ancient Egyptian history. The walk represents the pharaohs’ ascension to godhood as per their beliefs, starting with statues of the pharaohs in their kingship, then in positions of worship — as seen in the states of Senusret III, Akhenaten, and Hatshepsut — to express a connection with the gods. At the pinnacle of the Grand Staircase is a wide balcony overlooking the Pyramids of Giza, the tombs of the pharaohs, where they lie in their final state.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Past the balcony is the Children’s Museum, with VR and interactive exhibits, as well as braille plaques to aid the visually impaired, and smaller models — made from sustainable material — so they can feel out the shapes.

THE GIFT SHOP (AND TASTY BITES): To the right of the Great Hall, you’ll find the gift shop, displaying handicrafts and products from families across the governorates and villages of Egypt, alongside restaurants serving traditional Egyptian street food like foul, taameya, and koshari, as well as hot meals.

Disclaimer: It is worth noting that the Tutankhamun exhibition will remain closed until the grand opening. It’s worth the wait, with 5.8k artifacts and pieces belonging to the young pharaoh.

Operating hours: GEM complex is open everyday from 8:30am to 6pm. Galleries are open everyday from 9am to 5pm. Last ticket purchase is at 4pm.

Tickets: Visit www.visit-gem.com to get your tickets for:

  • EGP 200 for Egyptians;
  • EGP 1000 for foreigners;
  • EGP 100 for students, kids, or senior citizens.
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