Grand Egyptian Museum draws 18,000 visitors on first public day 4 Nov 2025
Grand Egyptian Museum draws 18,000 visitors on first public day
The Grand Egyptian Museum drew about 18,000 visitors within hours of its public debut, Egyptian officials said on Monday.
The turnout marks a landmark moment in Egypt’s cultural and tourism landscape, as spectators rushed to witness the unveiling of one of the world’s largest and most significant cultural complexes.
Visitors queued early in the morning, expressing admiration for the museum’s contemporary architecture, sweeping open spaces and immersive galleries.
The exhibition dedicated to Pharaoh Tutankhamun drew particular attention, with many praising its innovative design and the unprecedented display of the boy king’s treasures together for the first time.
The opening also drew extensive international and domestic media presence, with global news outlets broadcasting live and reporting on what many described as one of the most significant cultural openings of the century.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi described the moment as “a historic milestone for Egypt and the world.”
He added that the GEM goes far beyond presenting extraordinary artefacts, offering a fully immersive cultural journey that reflects the genius of Egyptian civilization across time.
The exceptional turnout today demonstrates the eagerness of Egyptians and global audiences alike to experience this iconic landmark and reaffirms Egypt’s leading position on the world tourism map.
Echoing the sentiment, Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum, voiced pride in the public response, saying that this overwhelming reception reinforces our mission to offer a museum experience that blends cutting-edge technology with the timeless wonders of ancient Egypt.
“Our work continues as we expand our cultural programming and services to ensure the Grand Egyptian Museum becomes an unmissable global destination.”
On Saturday, the GEM held its highly anticipated opening ceremony, featuring wide participation from world leaders and heads of state.
The ceremony showcased Egypt’s ancient civilization and highlighted the museum’s unique role in preserving and presenting its treasures to global audiences. Located near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the GEM is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization: Ancient Egypt.
The earlier soft launch allowed visitors to see only parts of the museum, the Grand Hall, the monumental staircase, and select thematic galleries.
Now open to the public, the museum displays thousands of priceless artefacts, including the entire collection of more than 5,000 pieces from the tomb of Tutankhamun, shown together for the first time in a single hall.
The GEM operates as a fully digital, timed-entry facility, offering structured yet extensive visiting hours.
The complex, which includes gardens, cafés, plazas and shops, is open daily from 8:30 am to 7 pm, and until 10 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Exhibition halls run from 9 am to 6 pm, extending to 9 pm on late-night days, with last entry an hour before closing.
Tickets can be purchased only online through the museum’s official website.
The Grand Egyptian Museum drew about 18,000 visitors within hours of its public debut, Egyptian officials said on Monday.
The turnout marks a landmark moment in Egypt’s cultural and tourism landscape, as spectators rushed to witness the unveiling of one of the world’s largest and most significant cultural complexes.
Visitors queued early in the morning, expressing admiration for the museum’s contemporary architecture, sweeping open spaces and immersive galleries.
The exhibition dedicated to Pharaoh Tutankhamun drew particular attention, with many praising its innovative design and the unprecedented display of the boy king’s treasures together for the first time.
The opening also drew extensive international and domestic media presence, with global news outlets broadcasting live and reporting on what many described as one of the most significant cultural openings of the century.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi described the moment as “a historic milestone for Egypt and the world.”
He added that the GEM goes far beyond presenting extraordinary artefacts, offering a fully immersive cultural journey that reflects the genius of Egyptian civilization across time.
The exceptional turnout today demonstrates the eagerness of Egyptians and global audiences alike to experience this iconic landmark and reaffirms Egypt’s leading position on the world tourism map.
Echoing the sentiment, Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum, voiced pride in the public response, saying that this overwhelming reception reinforces our mission to offer a museum experience that blends cutting-edge technology with the timeless wonders of ancient Egypt.
“Our work continues as we expand our cultural programming and services to ensure the Grand Egyptian Museum becomes an unmissable global destination.”
On Saturday, the GEM held its highly anticipated opening ceremony, featuring wide participation from world leaders and heads of state.
The ceremony showcased Egypt’s ancient civilization and highlighted the museum’s unique role in preserving and presenting its treasures to global audiences. Located near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the GEM is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization: Ancient Egypt.
The earlier soft launch allowed visitors to see only parts of the museum, the Grand Hall, the monumental staircase, and select thematic galleries.
Now open to the public, the museum displays thousands of priceless artefacts, including the entire collection of more than 5,000 pieces from the tomb of Tutankhamun, shown together for the first time in a single hall.
The GEM operates as a fully digital, timed-entry facility, offering structured yet extensive visiting hours.
The complex, which includes gardens, cafés, plazas and shops, is open daily from 8:30 am to 7 pm, and until 10 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Exhibition halls run from 9 am to 6 pm, extending to 9 pm on late-night days, with last entry an hour before closing.
Tickets can be purchased only online through the museum’s official website.