Tutankhamun at the Grand Egyptian Museum: What to See
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For the first time since Howard Carter opened the tomb in 1922, Tutankhamun’s treasures are shown together in one place. At the Grand Egyptian Museum, that means over 4,500 objects, with the golden mask at the heart of it all. This is the main reason many people visit the GEM, so here’s how to make the most of it.
Key Takeaways
- In November 2025, AFP reported over 4,500 Tutankhamun artefacts on display together for the first time (AFP via Khaleej Times, 2025).
- The gold mask is here; the mummy stays in Luxor.
- Some areas of the galleries don’t allow photos.
- Go early: it’s the most popular part of the museum.
Why are the Tutankhamun galleries the highlight of the GEM?
When the galleries opened on 4 November 2025, AFP described over 4,500 artefacts displayed together for the first time since the tomb’s discovery (AFP via Khaleej Times). Before, the collection was split, and much of it sat in storage.
Seeing it all together changes the experience. You don’t just look at the famous pieces. You get a sense of how much was packed into one small tomb for a young king.
Counts vary by source. Wikipedia lists 5,398 pieces in the full collection (Wikipedia). Either way, you won’t see every case in one visit.
What will you see in the Tutankhamun galleries?
The centrepiece is the golden mask, shown at the centre of the main Tutankhamun hall (AFP via Khaleej Times, 2025). AFP describes a dim, four-level main hall, with the mask surrounded by personal belongings, gilded tools, family heirlooms and funerary statues.
The golden mask
For nearly a century the mask was the star of the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square in central Cairo. It’s now in Giza. If you visited Cairo years ago and saw it at Tahrir, this is the same mask in a new setting.
Coffins and shrines
Tutankhamun was buried in three nested coffins, the smallest weighing 110 kg, placed inside four gilded shrines “like matryoshka dolls” (AFP via Khaleej Times, 2025). The coffins are at the GEM. The mummy itself remains in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor; only the coffins are at the GEM.
Chariots and daily life
AFP’s report also mentions chariots in the main hall. Next to it, a separate room shows two small mummified princesses, Tutankhamun’s daughters who died before birth, displayed publicly for the first time.
Where are the Tutankhamun galleries inside the museum?
The Grand Staircase is the museum’s main spine. It’s about six storeys tall, with more than 60 artefacts, and it leads up towards the main galleries (Wikipedia). Grab a map at the entrance and ask staff to point you to the Tutankhamun galleries.
When is the best time to see Tutankhamun?
The galleries open Galleries 9:00–18:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) · 9:00–21:00 (Wed & Sat), with last entry 17:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) · 20:00 (Wed & Sat) (GEM ticketing site). Your ticket fixes your entry time, so the time slot you book decides how early you can be in front of the mask.
Wednesday and Saturday are late-opening days (see the hours above). If mornings at the GEM are busy, an evening slot is another option.
Can you take photos of Tutankhamun’s treasures?
Partly. The official rules allow personal, non-commercial photos and videos, but photography is not permitted in designated areas of the Tutankhamun Galleries (GEM ticketing site). Look for the signs, and follow staff instructions.
Everywhere in the museum: Personal photos and videos are allowed, except in designated areas of the Tutankhamun Galleries. No flash, tripods, selfie sticks, drones or live streaming.
Should you see Tutankhamun with a guide?
You can absolutely visit on your own. A guide adds the story behind the objects and helps you find your way through a very large building. That context is what many visitors want in front of Tutankhamun’s treasures.
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If you choose a tour, check that the museum ticket is included, the guide’s language is confirmed in writing, and the itinerary has no shopping stops. Compare options on our Grand Egyptian Museum tours page, or plan your own visit with the tickets guide.
Sources
- AFP via Khaleej Times, “King Tut’s collection displayed for first time at Egypt’s Grand Museum”, 4 November 2025, retrieved 2026-10-21, https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/king-tuts-collection-displayed-for-first-time-at-egypts-grand-museum
- Grand Egyptian Museum, official ticketing website (hours, photo rules), retrieved 2026-10-21, https://tickets.gem.eg/
- Wikipedia, “Grand Egyptian Museum” (collection size, Grand Staircase), retrieved 2026-10-21, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Egyptian_Museum
Recommended tours
Bookable on Viator
Grand Egyptian Museum tour
First-time visitors who want hotel pickup, a live guide and the entry ticket in one booking.
- Duration: About 3 hours
- Museum ticket included
- Hotel pickup
- English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic
Frequently asked questions
Is Tutankhamun's mask at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Yes. The golden mask is displayed at the centre of the main Tutankhamun hall at the Grand Egyptian Museum, according to AFP's report from the gallery opening in November 2025. It left the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, where it had been shown for nearly a century.
Is Tutankhamun's mummy at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
No. Tutankhamun's mummy remains in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor; only the coffins are at the GEM, according to AFP (November 2025).
Can you take photos in the Tutankhamun galleries?
Partly. The official rules allow personal photos and videos in the museum, but photography is not permitted in designated areas of the Tutankhamun Galleries. Flash, tripods and selfie sticks are banned everywhere.
How many Tutankhamun objects are at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
AFP reported over 4,500 artefacts displayed together for the first time since the tomb was found in 1922. Wikipedia gives 5,398 pieces for the full collection, so counts vary by source.