The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) 2020

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which will be the largest archaeological museum in the world around 5.2 million square feet in size when completed, has been under-construction since 2006.

It has been on a delay due to the outbreak of the January 25th revolution, yet Minister of Antiquities Khaled al-Anani announced that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)’s construction has been completed at 88% and is set to open by 2020.

The building is shaped like a chamfered triangle in plan. Standing approximately 2km away from the pyramids of Giza. There are sculpture gardens in the museum park, while a massive statue of Ramses II greets you upon entry into the main atrium.

The entrance's nearly 2,000 ft tall, translucent façade is designed to subtly mirror the nearby pyramids. A palm-fringed "Nile Park" will pay homage to the life-giving river through peaceful fountains.

GEM will contain latest technology, including virtual reality, children's museum, conference center, training center, and workshops similar to the old Pharaonic places, also it will be the first Egyptian museum to use solar energy. The museum will be an international center of communication between museums, to promote direct contact with other local and international museums.

The building will supplant the notorious Egyptian Museum, which was built in the center of the city in 1901 and currently occupies the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities, including the iconic gold funeral mask of Tutankhamun. Officials moved many pieces from the cramped Egyptian Museum due to the 117-year-old facility's lack of space.

"When we visit the Giza Pyramids, we spend too long in traffic to go to the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square," said Azmy Salama, tour consultant with Explore Egypt Tours.

"This will save time and, also important, help us exhibit our valuable collections which we have in the catalogs that nobody sees."

After five minutes driving from the conservation center to the entrance (yes, it is that big) visitors get their first full look at the impeccable museum.

In a meeting with Parliament’s Committee of Culture, Information and Antiquities meeting, the Minister announced that the entrance ticket would amount to 30 EGP (US$ 1.9) while a comprehensive ticket giving access to the complete museum would be 60 EGP ($US 3.75).

Students and people above 60 years old are expected to be able from discounted prices.

So unlike the old antiquities museum, the GEM is well-placed for access. It's close to the Cairo ring road. It will be connected to the Cairo metro when the new line is completed. Besides the galleries, there will be 8 restaurants, 28 gift shops and a 3D cinema.

It’s been designed to not only be a safe and secure place to store and showcase Egypt’s treasures but also to help create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for visitors.