The Grand Egyptian Museum

The newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum is monumental, both in size and in what it contains. My travel companion, Yasmine & I, arrive with dreams of golden treasures and famous pharaohs. However, what immediately surprises me most is the thoughtful design of the museum. While grand indeed, the building’s soaring spaces, carefully framed views and natural light create a calm atmosphere that allows each masterpiece to command your attention.

From the moment we step inside beneath the vast glass façade, it is clear this is far more than simply another museum. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a beautifully curated journey through more than five millennia of Egyptian civilisation.

An Entrance Worthy of the Pharaohs

The museum’s immense entrance foyer immediately establishes the scale of what lies ahead.

Standing proudly at its centre is the magnificent statue of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s greatest rulers. Towering over visitors, the colossal 12m granite sculpture dominates the space with remarkable authority while somehow still feeling welcoming. Soft natural light floods through the glass walls behind it, highlighting every carved detail and creating one of the most impressive museum entrances I have experienced anywhere in the world.

Nearby stands the Victory Column of King Merenptah, its hieroglyphs recording military triumphs that have endured for over 3,000 years. While smaller than the imposing Ramses II, the column offers an equally fascinating reminder that these monuments were never simply decorative, they were carefully crafted statements of royal power.

The combination of soaring ceilings, polished stone floors and monumental sculpture creates an arrival experience that perfectly prepares and excites me for the incredible journey ahead.

The Grand Staircase: A Walk Through Ancient Egypt

Rather than leading visitors directly into the galleries, the museum cleverly uses its spectacular Grand Staircase as an exhibition in its own right.

Ascending the staircase feels almost ceremonial. Monumental sculptures line the route, allowing visitors to admire masterpieces from every period of Egyptian history while gradually climbing towards the upper galleries.

One of the highlights is the majestic Sphinx of Kings Ramesses II and Merenptah. Combining the body of a lion with the face of a king, the sphinx symbolises strength, wisdom and divine authority. Positioned dramatically along the staircase, it immediately captures the attention of everyone passing by.

The staircase itself becomes a timeline of Egyptian art, demonstrating how sculpture evolved across thousands of years while retaining the unmistakable style that continues to define ancient Egypt.

Faces That Have Survived Millennia

One of the most captivating aspects of the museum is how surprisingly human many of the sculptures feel.

The statue of the scribe Nefer offers a wonderful contrast to the idealised royal statues found elsewhere in the museum. Rather than portraying divine perfection, Nefer appears thoughtful, intelligent and quietly confident. His seated posture and carefully carved facial features remind us that Egypt’s civilisation depended not only upon kings and queens but also upon the educated officials who recorded every aspect of daily life.

Nearby, the elegant statue of Menkaure, builder of the smallest of the three great pyramids at Giza, reflects the timeless dignity that characterises Old Kingdom sculpture. The balance, symmetry and subtle realism demonstrate an artistic sophistication that somehow seems remarkably modern despite being over 4,500 years old.

Perhaps the most striking royal portrait is the colossal head of King Amenemhat III. Even separated from the rest of the original statue, the enormous face conveys extraordinary authority. Every carefully carved feature speaks of the immense resources and craftsmanship devoted to immortalising Egypt’s rulers.

Everyday Life Along the Nile

While the monumental statues naturally draw attention, some of the museum’s smallest exhibits prove equally memorable.

The delightful troop models recreate scenes of soldiers preparing for battle, offering an unexpectedly detailed glimpse into Egypt’s organised military thousands of years ago.

Equally fascinating is the beautifully preserved boat model of Mesehti. Complete with rowers and crew, it reminds us that the Nile was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt, serving as the country’s principal highway for trade, travel and communication.

Nearby, charming wooden duck models demonstrate the extraordinary craftsmanship of Egyptian artisans. Although modest in size, their painted details and realistic forms reveal an appreciation of nature that continues to resonate today.

Together, these smaller objects provide an intimate window into everyday life that complements the grandeur of the royal monuments.

Queens, Coffins and the Journey to the Afterlife

Ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding death and eternity are explored throughout the galleries, with several particularly memorable exhibits.

The kneeling statue of Queen Hatshepsut presents one of Egypt’s most remarkable female rulers in a posture of devotion and offering. Having ruled successfully as Pharaoh during the Eighteenth Dynasty (1550 BC – 1292 BC), Hatshepsut challenged many conventions of her time while commissioning some of ancient Egypt’s finest architecture including most famously, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, the Karnak Temple Complex additions and the Speos Artemidos.

Nearby, the beautifully decorated Coffin of a Woman demonstrates the importance placed upon ensuring safe passage into the afterlife. Every painted symbol and inscription was believed to offer protection during the deceased’s eternal journey.

The finely carved Sarcophagus of Nesptah continues this story. Covered in intricate hieroglyphs and religious imagery, it illustrates how burial was viewed not as an ending, but as the beginning of everlasting life.

These exhibits provide a powerful reminder that much of ancient Egyptian art was created with eternity in mind.

Symbols of Power and Belief

Throughout the museum, displays of royal insignia reveal how carefully Egyptian rulers projected their authority.

The collection of Royal Symbols – including crooks, flails and ceremonial emblems – illustrates that kingship was deeply intertwined with religion. Every object reinforced the Pharaoh’s role as both political leader and divine intermediary.

Equally captivating is the beautifully preserved Roman mummy mask, reflecting the fascinating blend of Egyptian and Roman artistic traditions during the later periods of Egypt’s history. The remarkably lifelike facial features create an immediate personal connection with someone who lived nearly two thousand years ago.

Finally, the display of shabtis offers one of the museum’s most intriguing collections. These small funerary figurines were placed inside tombs to perform work on behalf of the deceased in the afterlife. Arranged together, they reveal the extraordinary lengths ancient Egyptians went to in preparing for eternity.

The Rest

What impresses me most isn’t simply the quality of the artifacts, it is the way the museum tells the story of an entire civilisation.

The architecture guides us naturally from monumental spaces filled with colossal statues to more intimate galleries showcasing everyday objects. Every room is thoughtfully designed, allowing each exhibit the space it deserves while never overwhelming the visitor.

Whether you’re fascinated by ancient history or simply curious about one of the world’s greatest civilisations, the Grand Egyptian Museum provides an experience that is both educational and genuinely inspiring.

It is impossible to leave without a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity, artistry and enduring legacy of ancient Egypt.

Good to Know

While many visitors to Cairo focus solely on Egypt’s iconic pyramids and temples, the Grand Egyptian Museum provides the context that brings those ancient monuments to life. Its remarkable architecture, carefully curated galleries and exceptional collection create one of the finest museum experiences in the Middle East, if not the world.

Long after leaving Cairo, I find myself thinking not only about the famous statues of kings and queens, but also about the beautifully crafted models, delicate funerary objects and everyday artefacts that reveal the lives of ordinary Egyptians thousands of years ago. Together, they tell a story every bit as extraordinary as the monuments that have made Egypt famous.

• Allow at least three to four hours to properly explore the museum.
• Start with the Grand Staircase before moving through the galleries to appreciate the museum’s chronological storytelling.
• The foyer is one of the best places for photographs thanks to the natural light surrounding the statue of Ramses II.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum covers a considerable area.
• Reading the exhibit descriptions or joining a guided tour adds tremendous context to many of the smaller artefacts that might otherwise be overlooked.

Would I Return?

Yes, absolutely.