King Tutankhamun, Giza

Smithsonian MagazineAug 22, 2025

A Sweeping Transformation Is Underway as the Grand Egyptian Museum Prepares to Officially Open and the Giza Plateau Braces for a Record-Breaking Influx of Visitors

The Egyptian government is making changes to enhance the visitor experience around the pyramids, but are these modifications threatening the livelihoods of local communities rooted in generations-old tourism practices?

flagship collection of 5,340 items

15 things in this story

Mena House HotelHotelde facto entrance to Giza pyramids plateau
Giza PlateauSightIt forms the northernmost part of the 160 km2…
Great PyramidSightIt is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only wonder that has remained largely intact.
SphinxPublic artworklocated on the Giza Plateau
Grand Egyptian MuseumMuseumworld's largest archaeological museum
Giza pyramids plateauSightarea undergoing a revamp
PyramidsSightthree pyramids on the Giza Plateau
King KhufuPlacecommissioned the largest Giza pyramid
Ramses IIPublic artworkcolossal statue at museum entrance
King TutankhamunSightflagship collection of 5,340 items
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)Museum
Great GateSight
Egyptian Tour Guides SyndicatePlace
Orascom Pyramids EntertainmentPlace
Great Gate on Al-Faiyoum Desert RoadSight

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King Tutankhamun

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A Sweeping Transformation Is Underway as the Grand Egyptian Museum Prepares to Officially Open and the Giza Plateau Braces for a Record-Breaking Influx of Visitors