The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Cairo’s newest and largest museum dedicated to ancient Egypt, has a new exhibition: The Tutankhamun Immersive Experience, dedicated to Egypt’s famous pharaoh, “King Tut”. The exhibit will be included with all ticket purchases for the Grand Egyptian Museum beginning in late November.

What is the Tutankhamun Immersive Experience?

Before anyone gets too excited, no, the GEM is still not fully open. The only areas that tourists can visit include the hanging obelisk square, the Great Hall (which has three colossal statues and also a column from Saqqara), the gift shop (which has an amazing selection of handmade items at fixed prices), and the restaurants/coffeeshops. The Tutankhamun Galleries (which will house all of the King Tut artifacts) are still not completed and opened, along with all of the other areas with artifacts.

The Tutankhamun Immersive Experience is a traveling exhibit that was featured in several European cities before making it’s way to Egypt. It is a look at the treasures from the tomb of King Tut, using technology like large scale video projections, virtual reality, lighting and sound effects, etc. to create an immersive experience. It certainly will be a good add-on to seeing the remaining Tut artifacts on display at the original Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (not all of his objects have been moved to the GEM, yet), and Tutankhamen’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. But the exhibit does not feature any of the actual artifacts found in the tomb (these are mostly out of view at the Tut Gallery at the GEM, yet to be opened, or at the original Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square) and it will not have Tutankhamun’s mummified remains (which are on display in his tomb at the Valley of the Kings).

Want to see what to expect? Check out this trailer for the show: 

Note: the immersive show is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, and some scenes may have sensory elements that can overwhelm sensitive individuals; lighting effects may trigger seizures; claustrophobic or anxious visitors should exercise caution.

How can I buy tickets to the Grand Egyptian Museum?

Tickets for the GEM can be purchased with a credit card in-advance, online, using the Grand Egyptian Museum’s website.

How can I buy tickets to the Tutankhamun Immersive Experience?

Starting November 21, 2023, all tickets purchased for the Grand Egyptian Museum will also include entry to the Tutankhamun Immersive Experience, so no need to purchase a separate ticket.

How much do tickets to the GEM cost?

For non-Egyptians, tickets are 1,200 Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for adults, and 750 EGP for students, from the hours of 9am - 6pm. From 6pm - 10pm, ticket prices go up to 1,500 EGP for adults and 900 EGP for students.

What is included with my ticket to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?

The GEM entry ticket, in addition to including the Tut Immersive Experience, also includes a tour, addressing these topics:

1. Answering the common question, “Why has it taken 20 years to build the Grand Egyptian Museum?”  

2. The inspiration of Ancient Egypt, and its reflection in the museum architecture, and components of the museum

3. Exploring “Kingship and Eternity” through the accessible monuments: The Hanging Obelisk, the Colossal Statue of King Ramesses II, the ten Statues of King Senusret I and the Grand Staircase (viewed from a distance), Double Statues of a Ptolemaic King and Queen, The Victory Column of King Merenptah, The statue of god Hapy, and the second Statue of King Ramesses II

   
   

When will the Grand Egyptian Museum Open?

We still do not know when the Grand Egyptian Museum will fully open to the public — check out this blog post for more information on what we know.

Are you planning on visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum and seeing Tutankhamun: The Immersive Experience? Have you already been to the GEM and seen what is currently on view to the public? Have any questions about the GEM? Let me know in a comment below!