After 20 years of development, The Grand Egyptian Museum brings ancient Egypt back to life.

The exhibits currently open to the public mark only a fraction of the museums eventual offerings.

and ending with the Roman conquest in 30 B.C.

Interior of Grand Egyptian Museum

The Statue of Ramesses II in the entrance hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza.Credit:Kate McMahon/Travel + Leisure

The Romans overthrew Cleopatra and ruled as conquerors, marking an end to historys longest empire.

Anticipation surrounds the New Kingdom galleries of King Tutankhamun, which have yet to open.

But this tumultuous journey, rife with the problems of the modern era, is coming to an end.

Hathor at Grand Egyptian Museum

A statue of the Egyptian goddess Hathor.Kate McMahon/Travel + Leisure

A new chapter is opening, and ancient Egypt is coming to life once more.

Tomb of Osiris at Grand Egyptian Museum

The Bed of Osiris, from the tomb of Djer.Kate McMahon/Travel + Leisure

Obslisk at Grand Egyptian Museum

The obelisk of King Ramesses II sits in front of the museums main entrance.Kate McMahon/Travel + Leisure