By Emo Tours Egypt – Updated October 2025

As Egypt prepares to celebrate the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza on November 3, 2025, one question keeps coming up from travelers and tour planners alike:

“Will the Old Egyptian Museum in Cairo still be open after the new one opens?”

The short and reassuring answer is YES — the Old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square will remain open even after the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The Grand Egyptian Museum: Egypt’s New Global Icon

After years of anticipation and soft openings, the Grand Egyptian Museum—located beside the Giza Pyramids—will officially open its doors to the world on 3 November 2025.

It will be the largest archaeological museum on Earth, home to more than 100,000 artifacts including the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time.

The GEM represents a new era for Egyptian tourism—an architectural masterpiece blending modern technology with ancient heritage. Travelers will experience interactive galleries, immersive storytelling, and cutting-edge preservation facilities that redefine how the world experiences Egypt’s treasures.

What Happens to the Old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square?

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Tahrir Square, downtown Cairo, known as the “Old Egyptian Museum,” has been the guardian of Egypt’s history since 1902. For over a century, it was the world’s most important Egyptology museum — and it’s not going anywhere.

Here’s what travelers should know:

1. Yes, It Will Stay Open

Despite the GEM opening, the Egyptian government has confirmed that the Tahrir Museum will remain open as a cultural landmark and secondary exhibition space. It will continue to welcome visitors and display thousands of artifacts not transferred to GEM.

2. Some Collections Are Moving

While Tutankhamun’s treasures are being relocated to GEM, many other priceless collections — such as Middle Kingdom, Late Period, and Greco-Roman artifacts — will continue to be housed in the Tahrir museum.

This means visitors can still enjoy authentic exhibitions in a museum that carries more than a century of Egyptian heritage.

3. A New Role for the Tahrir Museum

The Old Museum is being re-imagined as a Center for Archaeological Research and Heritage Preservation, focusing on temporary exhibitions and rotating collections. It will serve as a cultural hub for researchers, historians, and art lovers.

Why Visit Both Museums in Cairo?

Travelers visiting Cairo in late 2025 or 2026 have a unique opportunity:

to experience Egypt’s past and future through two legendary museums.

At the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM):

See the entire Tutankhamun collection in one place.

Explore artifacts never displayed before.

Enjoy a stunning view of the Giza Pyramids from inside the museum.

At the Old Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square):

Feel the nostalgic atmosphere of Egypt’s classic museum halls.

Discover artifacts from royal tombs and daily life spanning 5,000 years.

Visit the heart of Cairo, close to the Nile and downtown attractions.

At Emo Tours Egypt, we recommend including both museums in your Cairo sightseeing itinerary for the most complete understanding of Egypt’s history — from ancient civilization to modern innovation.

Plan Your Cairo Museum Tour with Emo Tours Egypt

Our licensed Egyptologist guides provide deep insights and historical context for each museum.

Whether you’re visiting for one day or several, Emo Tours offers private guided tours, skip-the-line entry, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

👉 Book now: Cairo Museum Tours with Emo Tours Egypt

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the Grand Egyptian Museum open?

The official opening date is 3 November 2025 in Giza, near the Pyramids.

2. Is the Old Egyptian Museum in Cairo closed?

No, it remains open to the public even after the Grand Egyptian Museum opens.

3. What will be displayed in the Old Museum after 2025?

The Old Museum will continue to exhibit artifacts from different dynasties, along with temporary exhibitions and preserved collections not transferred to GEM.

4. Can I visit both museums in one day?

Yes, with a private tour by Emo Tours Egypt, you can explore both museums comfortably in one day.