Code of Conduct
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is happy to welcome everyone to our unique cultural environment. To ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable visit, GEM asks that all visitors adhere to the following guidelines :
GEM is home to some of the most important and irreplaceable collections of artefacts in the world.
Don’t touch objects on open display except as part of an organized touch tour.
Visitors are encouraged to touch and engage with the museum’s many interactive and tactile stations.
To ensure the safety and preservation of GEM collections, no food or drink is allowed in the GEM galleries.
There are many designated eating areas – both inside and outside – including world-class restaurants, a food court, cafés and picnic areas.
GEM can be a busy place. Please be respectful, patient, and considerate of other visitors and staff. Refrain from lewd, disruptive, offensive, or abusive behavior.
Do not engage in any activities that cause risk, annoyance, or disturbance to other visitors, our staff, collections, or property.
Photography is permitted at GEM for personal use only. Please use mobile phones with respect to other museum visitors.
All persons entering GEM are subject to video surveillance.
Be aware that a secure, closed-circuit television system is operating throughout the museum for the safety and protection of the visitors, staff, collections, and property.
For the safety of our visitors and collections, all bags entering or leaving the museum, including purses, are subject to inspection. Visitors will be asked to leave large bags and luggage at the cloakroom.
Guidelines for Conduct
The following rules and regulations are established to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and artefacts, and to maintain a respectful and enjoyable environment for all at the GEM.
By entering the premises, visitors agree to abide by these regulations and to follow any additional instructions issued by GEM staff.
General Policies
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the premises.
- The consumption of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited within the GEM.
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the museum, except in specifically designated outdoor areas.
- Visitors must behave respectfully at all times. Disorderly, aggressive, or offensive behaviour, including loud, disruptive, or abusive language, will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the premises without refund.
- Appropriate attire is required at all times.
- Visitors are not permitted to remove their shoes, lie down on benches or the floor, or engage in conduct inconsistent with the dignity of the museum environment.
- Visitors must not litter, damage, or deface any part of the GEM’s facilities, furniture, or landscaping.
- Visitors must follow all posted signs and the instructions of GEM staff.
- Visitors consent to being photographed or filmed during their visit. The GEM reserves the right to use such images for marketing and promotional purposes.
- Visitors agree that their personal data may be used for promotional, marketing, and commercial purposes in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Visitors and their belongings are subject to inspection prior to entering the museum.
- Visitors may be required to present their ticket at any time during their visit.
- Visitors are not permitted to remain in the museum outside official operating hours without prior authorization from GEM management.
- Commercial, marketing, advertising, promotional, fundraising, or signature collection activities are not permitted without prior written approval from GEM management.
- Ticket sales may stop up to one hour before the official closing time or earlier if the museum reaches full capacity.
Prohibited Items
To maintain safety and protect the collections, the following items are not allowed inside the GEM:
- Large bags, backpacks, luggage, or parcels exceeding 40 × 40 cm. These must be stored in the designated areas before entering.
- Bags or luggage deposited in storage must be retrieved on the same day and before museum closing time; the GEM is not responsible for items left beyond that period.
- Weapons, sharp objects, or hazardous materials (e.g. knives, scissors, firearms, screwdrivers).
- Musical instruments.
- Animals or pets.
- Advertising banners, placards, or signs, unless expressly approved by GEM management.
- Folding seats or personal seating, unless permission has been granted by GEM security.
- Umbrellas and similar items, which must be left in the designated areas.
- Spray paint cans or aerosol-based paints that could damage museum property.
- All bags and belongings may be subject to inspection at any time by GEM security.
Inside the Galleries
Visitors are requested to conduct themselves with care and consideration within the museum’s galleries:
- Do not touch any artefacts, displays, or showcases.
- Food and drinks (except small water bottles) are not permitted.
- Flashlights, laser pointers, and flash photography are prohibited.
- Live streaming and the use of audio devices are not permitted.
- Please speak quietly and avoid obstructing pathways or other visitors’ views.
Families with Children
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while inside the GEM.
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Running, rough play, or any activity that may cause disturbance, injury, or damage to exhibits is strictly prohibited.
Photography & Filming
- Personal, non-commercial photography and videography are permitted within the GEM.
- The use of the following equipment is prohibited: Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, external lighting, and live-streaming devices.
- Flash photography is not permitted.
- Please refrain from photographing other visitors or GEM staff without their consent.
- Commercial photography or videography (including for television, cinema, advertising, or documentary purposes) requires prior written approval from the GEM and payment of the applicable fees.
- Only mobile photography is permitted inside areas where cameras are restricted.
Sketching Regulations
Visitors wishing to sketch in the galleries must observe the following:
- Only pencils may be used; pens and markers are prohibited.
- Sketchbooks must not exceed 45 × 60 cm (18 × 24 inches).
- Visitors must not obstruct pathways or disrupt the movement of other guests.
- Care must be taken to avoid contact with display cases or artefacts.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency, visitors must follow the instructions of GEM staff immediately.
- In the event of an earthquake, move away from large sculptures, display cases, and any unsecured objects.
- In the event of fire or other emergencies, follow the designated evacuation routes and await staff guidance.
Disclaimer of Liability
- The GEM is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings, or for any injuries sustained during a visit to the premises.
- Visitors are responsible for their own safety and conduct throughout their time at the GEM.
Ticketing Terms & Conditions
- Tickets may not be refunded after purchase, regardless of the sales channel used (online platform, self-service machine, or on-site purchase), except in cases of force majeure as determined by the GEM.
- Tickets are valid only for the date and time specified. Failure to use a ticket within its validity period does not entitle the holder to a refund or exchange. Visitors are responsible for ensuring attendance within official operating hours.
- Each ticket permits single entry only. Re-entry to the GEM is not allowed once the visitor exits the premises.
- Tickets are non-transferable and may only be used by the individual whose name is associated with the booking.
- The GEM reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule events or tours at its discretion and without prior notice.
- The GEM reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any visitor who fails to comply with these Rules and Regulations, without entitlement to a refund.
- In the event of cancellation or postponement, ticket holders may be offered a voucher for a future visit or guided tour.
- By purchasing or using a ticket, visitors acknowledge and agree to abide by all GEM Rules and Regulations in effect at the time of their visit.