The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, welcoming an extraordinary turnout of more than 20,000 visitors on its first day, according to Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority.
Ghoneim said the overwhelming public response was a natural result of the extensive local and international media coverage and promotional campaigns leading up to the museum’s long-awaited opening. The museum’s inauguration, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, was attended by several kings and heads of state, capturing global attention.
“The enthusiasm we witnessed today reflects years of anticipation,” Ghoneim said. “We are committed to living up to this historic moment and ensuring that every visitor enjoys an unforgettable experience.”
He noted that the first-day attendance was expected to range between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors, with the final figures to be confirmed by the ticketing management company later in the day. Temporary entry restrictions may be applied at peak hours to regulate visitor flow and ensure comfort inside the museum’s vast galleries.
Commenting on the heavy crowds, Ghoneim said such excitement was expected: “Egyptians, Arabs, and tourists from around the world have long awaited the chance to see the treasures they’ve heard so much about — from Tutankhamun’s golden mask and Khufu’s solar boat to the majestic statue of Queen Hatshepsut.”
The museum’s visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the main exhibition halls, with extended evening hours until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays to accommodate the large number of visitors.
Located near the iconic Giza Pyramids, GEM is now the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, showcasing more than 100,000 artifacts that chronicle over 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history.
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