Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Hours (2026)
When the galleries open and close, the two late evenings each week, and the quietest time to see Tutankhamun.
The Grand Egyptian Museum’s galleries are open 9:00–18:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) and 9:00–21:00 (Wed & Sat), according to the official ticket website (checked October 2026). It’s open every day. Last entry is 17:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) and 20:00 (Wed & Sat).
In short
- Galleries: 9:00–18:00, and until 21:00 on Wednesday and Saturday (GEM ticketing site, 2026).
- Last entry is one hour before the galleries close.
- Open every day; holiday hours may differ.
- Your ticket’s time slot sets when you enter, not how long you stay.
What are the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening hours?
In 2026, the official ticket website lists two schedules, one for the galleries and one for the wider museum complex (grounds, shops and restaurants) (GEM ticketing site):
| Day | Galleries | Complex | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 9:00–18:00 | 8:30–19:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday, Saturday | 9:00–21:00 | 8:30–22:00 | 20:00 |
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open today?
The museum is open every day. The official site lists hours for every day of the week and no weekly closing day. Hours may differ on public holidays or during Ramadan. We haven’t been able to confirm those changes, so check the official ticket website for your date.
How does timed entry work?
You book a date and an entry slot. The official rules say: tickets are valid only for the date and time slot you choose; the slot sets when you enter, not how long you stay; one entry per ticket, no re-entry; non-refundable and non-transferable (GEM ticketing site).
So an early slot doesn’t limit your visit. It gives you more time inside before closing. Planning at least 3–4 hours is a good baseline. Booking steps are in our tickets guide.
When is the best time to visit?
Go early. A 2026 first-hand guide recommends the first slot of the day and arriving a little before it, for quieter photos and time in the Grand Hall before tour groups (Voyaged Magazine).
Lunchtime gets busy in the cafés: queues start around 12:30, according to the same guide. several cafés and restaurants inside the complex, including Zooba (Egyptian street food) and coffee shops; lunchtime queues start around 12:30.
Do opening hours differ for the Pyramids?
Yes. The Giza plateau has its own ticket and hours: 08:00–16:00, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. If you plan both, see the pyramids before the plateau closes.
Prefer a guide who handles the timing for you? Compare Grand Egyptian Museum tours.
Sources and fact-check
Every fact on this page was checked against these sources on 21 October 2026. Prices and hours change; the official website has the final word.
- Grand Egyptian Museum, official ticketing website (opening hours, timed entry) (link). Checked 21 Oct 2026.
- Voyaged Magazine, “How to Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2026”, updated 31 July 2026 (link). Checked 21 Oct 2026.
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, “Giza Plateau” (opening hours) (link). Checked 21 Oct 2026.
Questions people ask
What time does the Grand Egyptian Museum open?
The galleries open 9:00–18:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) and 9:00–21:00 (Wed & Sat). The wider museum complex opens earlier, at 8:30, according to the official ticket website.
What time is last entry at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Last entry is 17:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) and 20:00 (Wed & Sat), one hour before the galleries close.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open every day?
Yes. The official ticket website lists opening hours for every day of the week, with late openings on Wednesday and Saturday. Hours may change on public holidays or during Ramadan, so check before you go.
What is the best time to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Early morning is quietest, especially for the Tutankhamun galleries. Wednesday and Saturday evenings are a good alternative if you spend the day at the pyramids.