Grand Egyptian Museum opens near Giza Pyramids to revive Egypt’s tourism, showcasing Tutankhamun treasures and immersive exhibits

Grand Egyptian Museum has officially opened its doors in Cairo, marking a historic milestone for Egypt’s tourism sector and cultural heritage.

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The new $1 billion landmark, overlooking the Giza Pyramids, is expected to transform Egypt’s global tourism appeal and help revive an industry battered by years of political unrest, a pandemic, and regional instability.

Spanning an impressive 500,000 square metres, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will house tens of thousands of artefacts, including the complete collection of treasures from the boy-king Tutankhamun—many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time.

Designed as both a cultural showcase and an immersive visitor experience, the museum integrates virtual reality installations and interactive exhibitions to offer a modern approach to Egypt’s ancient history.

Officials hope the GEM will attract as many as 7 million additional visitors annually, boosting total tourist numbers to about 30 million by 2030.

Tourism, which is one of Egypt’s major sources of foreign currency, remains critical to stabilising the nation’s economy and funding essential imports such as fuel and wheat.

In 2024, Egypt recorded 15.7 million visitors who spent a record $15 billion, signalling strong recovery momentum. This comes after the sector’s collapse to just $3.8 billion in 2015/16 following the 2011 uprising.

For Egypt’s leadership, the Grand Egyptian Museum represents more than a new attraction—it is a symbol of renewal, resilience, and global ambition.

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With its world-class facilities, stunning architecture, and unmatched artefact collection, it is poised to become one of the most visited museums on the planet, redefining the country’s image and economic prospects.