Egypt, one of the word’s cradles of civilization, is also a vibrant, modern country. One of its most exciting attractions is the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, (GEM), in Giza, about two kilometers from the pyramids.
GEM has already shown the history and culture of Egypt to seven million people since opening in November 2025. International tourists account for over 45% of the total turnout. The world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, GEM has been the third most visited museum in the world since opening.
I recently interviewed Egyptian Travel Minister Ahmed Youssef, who was visiting the United States to promote travel to his country and particularly to GEM. Mr. Youssef is a passionate promoter of his country, one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. He believes there are many different versions of Egypt for visitors to see and appreciate. For example, “You can spend the night in a tent. You can spend the night in a five-star hotel. Or on a boat.”
GEM, a one-billion-dollar cultural hub, is an immersive introduction to Egyptian history. It houses over 100,000 ancient artifacts covering 5,000 years of history. One gallery shows off for the first time the complete treasure collection of King Tutankhamun (over 5,000 pieces) in a massive 7,500 square-meter exhibit.
At the museum, visitors are greeted by a towering, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II in the Grand Hall. Artifacts are from the Predynastic Period through the Greco-Roman era, including papyrus scrolls, textiles, sarcophagi, and mummified remains. The museum blends digital and traditional exhibitions.
Forbes
