Pictured: the breathtaking displays at the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has FINALLY opened its doors to visitors

The Great Egyptian Museum in Giza is (almost) fully open to visitors – and photos show that the exhibitions are spectacular.

Tourists have had to wait a long time to take a look behind the doors of what is the largest archaeological museum in the world, covering 120 hectares (80 football fields).

Although the foundation stone was laid in 2002 by former President Mubarak, a long series of delays pushed back the opening date of the huge museum several times.

The good news is that many of the museum’s galleries are now open to visitors as part of a limited-access trial period.

They can marvel at the world’s only hanging obelisk, view the treasures of Queen Hetepheres and admire the 11-meter-high statue of Ramesses II, which greets tourists in the museum’s cavernous Great Hall.

So far, twelve of the galleries’ exhibition rooms are open, showcasing objects from prehistory to the Roman Empire.

Mummy is the word: the Grand Egyptian Museum is (almost) fully open to visitors – and photos show the exhibitions are spectacular

Tourists have had to wait a long time to be allowed to take a look behind the doors

Although the foundation stone was laid in 2002 by former President Mubarak, a series of delays pushed the museum’s opening date back several times

So far, 12 of the galleries’ exhibition rooms are open with artifacts from prehistory to the Roman Empire

However, you will have to wait for a glimpse of Tutankhamun’s treasures.

The ancient pharaoh’s golden mask and sarcophagus are still in the original museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, while Tutankhamun’s objects that were moved to the new location are not yet on display.

The Solar Ship, a 42-meter-long cedar ship designed to transport Pharaoh Khufu through the heavens and one of the museum’s most famous treasures, has also yet to be put on display.

Visitors can marvel at the world’s only hanging obelisk, view the treasures of Queen Hetepheres and admire the 11-meter-high statue of Ramses II that greets tourists in the museum’s cavernous Great Hall (above)

Visitors will have to wait for a glimpse of Tutankhamun’s treasures. The ancient pharaoh’s golden mask and sarcophagus are still in the original museum in Tahrir Square, while the relocated objects are not yet on display. Above – Pharaonic statues in the new museum

Tourists can book a ticket online for the limited opening of the Great Egyptian Museum

A journalist who visited the museum described it as ‘dazzling’

Visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum explore massive stone sarcophagi

In addition to the exhibition space, the museum also includes an auditorium, nature reserves and gardens – and pyramid views

Despite the missing items, a Times reporter who visited the museum says: ‘Ancient Egyptian art is so exquisite… that you could take anything from the dusty display cases of the ancient museum, hang it properly and light it, and it will look exceptional. This is what curators have done and the effect is stunning.”

‘KatrinaGT’, who visited the museum, writes further Tripadvisor: ‘The museum’s stunning architecture and carefully curated exhibitions make it a world-class destination, perfect for anyone who wants to experience the grandeur of ancient Egypt first-hand.’

Another visitor, ‘Frances S’, says: ‘We were fortunate to visit the GEM shortly after its soft opening on October 16th. Egypt has put a lot of thought and effort into this museum, from the architecture, pyramid viewpoints, exhibitions, open spaces, gift shops to the restaurants and cafes.”

Tourists can book a ticket for the limited opening of the Great Egyptian Museum at visit-gem.com. Tickets for non-Egyptian nationals cost EGY1,200 (£19.05/$24), while a child ticket costs EGY600 (£9.52/$12.26).

The Grand Egyptian Museum covers 120 hectares – or 80 football fields

Painted coffins, decorated with hieroglyphs and symbolic images, once contained the remains of Egypt’s elites and accompanied them on their journey to the afterlife

Inside, visitors can also discover a children’s museum and conference center

Tickets for non-Egyptian citizens cost EGY1200 (£19.05/$24), while a child ticket costs EGY600 (£9.52/$12.26)

‘KatrinaGT’, who visited the museum, writes on Tripadvisor: ‘The museum’s stunning architecture and carefully curated exhibitions make it a world-class destination’

Reviewer ‘Frances S’ says: ‘We were lucky enough to visit the GEM shortly after the soft opening on October 16th. Egypt has put a lot of attention and effort into this museum’