Unlike Egypt’s older museums, which evolved organically over decades in buildings that never foresaw such crowds, the GEM incorporates cutting-edge technology, intuitive wayfinding, and comprehensive accessibility features.

This is not a museum you can casually browse in an hour — it’s a destination that rewards good planning. The museum’s sophistication means there are choices to make. Should you book tickets online or purchase them on-site? Is a guided tour worth the additional cost, or will self-guided exploration serve you better? How much time should you allocate to each gallery? Which days offer the best experience? For visitors with accessibility needs, what accommodations are available? And if you’re traveling with children, how can you keep them engaged while absorbing seven thousand years of history?

PURCHASING TICKETS

#1- ONLINE BOOKING: Tickets can be purchased through the museum’s official website. This is strongly recommended as it offers the convenience of reserving in advance, and avoiding long queues. The online booking process is straightforward. You can select your desired date and time slot, choose between admission tickets for self-guided tours or guided tour tickets, and complete your payment using a credit or debit card. After payment, you’ll receive an email with your e-ticket and QR code, which you should save for quick entry at the museum gate.

#2- TICKET PRICES: For Egyptian visitors, admission costs EGP 200 for adults, while children, students, and seniors pay EGP 100 each. Children under the age of six can enter without charge. Visitors from other countries will find tickets for EGP 1,450 for adults, and EGP 730 for children and seniors. Expatriate adults can find tickets for EGP 730, while expat children and students can find them for EGP 370. Visitors with disabilities are admitted at no cost, as are members of the Members of the International Council of Museums, Egyptian military veterans, family members of Egyptian martyrs, among others. International spouses of Egyptian nationals can access Egyptian tickets prices upon proof of relationship.

#2- GUIDED TOUR PRICES: For Egyptian visitors, admission costs EGP 350 for adults, while children, students, and seniors pay EGP 175 each. Children under the age of six can enter without charge. Visitors from other countries will find tickets for EGP 1,950 for adults, and EGP 980 for children and seniors. Expatriate adults can find tickets for EGP 980, while expat children and students can find them for EGP 500. Unpaid admittance follows the same rules as regular tickets.

Note: Banknotes are not accepted at the ticket office — if you will be paying for admittance on-site, only card payments are permitted.

OPENING HOURS

The GEM is open daily, with the following hours in effect daily except on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The GEM complex operates from 8:30am to 7pm, while galleries are open daily from 9am to 6pm, with last purchase at 5pm. On Saturdays and Wednesdays, the GEM complex extends hours from 8:30am to 10pm, and galleries from 9am to 9pm, with last ticket purchase at 8pm. These hours are subject to change during Ramadan.

OPTIMAL VISITING TIMES

Visits from Sunday to Thursday will offer a quieter experience, with early mornings or late afternoons helping avoid peak crowds. Extended hours on Saturdays and Wednesdays can make for a more relaxed visit, with sunset views of the pyramids.

TIME ALLOCATION

The time you need depends on your interests and pace. A quick visit of 1–2 hours can cover key exhibits. A standard visit is 3–4 hours, and allows exploration of major sections including Titankhamun’s treasures. A full tour with guided insights can take up to 5+ hours.

TOUR OPTIONS

Admission tickets without a guide allow you to explore at your own pace. The galleries are equipped with advanced technology and feature multimedia presentations, including mixed-reality shows to help explain ancient Egypt to new generations. Concise and well-lit explanation placards are offered for each piece or collection of objects in Arabic, English, and Braille.

Digital guides are available in 13 languages, ensuring that international visitors on self-guided tours can fully appreciate the cultural significance of the exhibits.

Guided tours in English and Arabic are available hourly from 9am to 4pm, lasting about 90 minutes and led by expert Egyptologists. The guided tour option includes a headset so you can hear your guide clearly even in crowded galleries. These tours provide expert insights into the museum’s world-class exhibits and help contextualize the artifacts within Egypt’s broader historical narrative.

Private tours with expert guides are available in English, Arabic, and different languages upon request through the official website. School tours can be booked separately.

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES

#1- WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: The Grand Egyptian Museum is fully accessible by wheelchair. Ramps and elevators are available throughout the complex for easy mobility, and the venue is equipped with wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs can be rented at the museum for free. There are several breaks in the moving walkway that let you access the Grand Staircase at various points, and there are also elevators if you’re in a wheelchair or want to reach the top directly. The main galleries all feature either ramps or lifts to move between different levels.

#2- VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ACCESS: The exhibits are equipped with Braille labels for guests with visual impairments. There are several displays along the Grand Staircase that feature small models of the displayed statues for the blind and visually impaired with braille at the bottom. Specialized tours are offered for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.

The museum provides spacious, well-marked seating areas throughout the complex to ensure comfort as you move between experiences.

PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography, live streaming, selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted. Professional equipment, detachable-lens cameras, camera lighting, tripods, and drones are prohibited. Non-professional, non-commercial personal photography using small handheld cameras and mobile phones is permitted, and some exhibits may have additional restrictions.

TIPS FOR A SEAMLESS VISIT

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum is vast and requires significant walking;
  • Make sure to bring sun protection if you plan to explore outdoor gardens or walk to the Giza Pyramids;
  • Carry a valid ID or student card to verify eligibility for discounts;
  • Ensure your mobile phone is charged for the digital features and photography;
  • Start with the galleries since they close earlier than the complex;
  • Use the moving walkway to reach the top of the Grand Staircase efficiently, then walk down to see the statues up close.

Stay tuned for our upcoming issues of this special series, where we’ll bring you a comprehensive guide to every hall and gallery inside the GEM.

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