Egypt sets November 1 for opening of world-class Grand Egyptian Museum

CAIRO – 6 August 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has approved setting November 1 as the official opening date for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), announced Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Wednesday.

Strategically located on the Giza Plateau, adjacent to the iconic Great Pyramids and the Sphinx International Airport, GEM is dedicated to preserving Egypt's unique heritage.

The museum is among the largest and most modern museums globally, covering an expansive 500,000 square meters and housing an extensive collection of artifacts, including the priceless complete collection of Tutankhamun.

Many of these rare and unique archaeological finds have never been publicly displayed before, making GEM a significant addition to the global cultural landscape.

During the Cabinet meeting today, the prime minister directed all relevant ministries and authorities to finalize preparations for the long-anticipated event, ensuring GEM and its surrounding area are fully ready to host the opening in a manner befitting the museum’s global cultural and historical significance.

Madbouly emphasized that the inauguration is being planned as a landmark international event, highlighting its importance as one of Egypt’s most prestigious national milestones in recent history.

The ceremony is expected to attract prominent official delegations from around the world and feature a range of accompanying cultural and artistic events.

GEM is set to become the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated for one civilization, showcasing the rich and diverse legacy of ancient Egyptian civilization. It is anticipated to become a major global tourism and cultural destination, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe.

GEM opening was originally scheduled for early July but was postponed just two weeks prior due to regional tensions, including the outbreak of war between Iran and Israel at the time of the announcement.

Late in May, the Egyptian prime minister announced that invitations have been sent to kings and presidents around the world to attend the museum opening.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has emphasized the need to intensify preparations to ensure that the opening of GEM reflects the status and history of the nation.

The museum opening is set to serve Egypt’s ambitious goal in attracting 30 million tourists by 2028, double the number it received in 2024, with the country relying on tourism as a vital source of foreign currency.