Cairo Opera House

Cairo Opera House

It’s hard to imagine that the vibrant Cairo Opera House was once completely destroyed in a devastating fire in 1971. Today, from Verdi’s Aida and the eclectic styles of Egyptian diva Um Kulthoum, to Orff’s Carmina Burana and live pop concerts by local bands, the Cairo Opera House shines like a phoenix reborn from the ashes.

As a rare gem of postmodern architectural art, the opera house in the upscale Zamalek Island district was originally designed in 1869 by Italian architects Avoscani and Rossi under the rule of Khedive Ismail of Egypt to celebrate the inauguration of the Suez Canal. It was later redesigned in 1988 by a Japanese architect. The opera house boasts two main concert halls, an open-air theatre, and a museum that chronicles its own history. Here, visitors can see a full set of costumes gifted by the Vienna State Opera to the new Cairo Opera House, architectural models and photos from the construction period of the new opera house, as well as a two-meter-long Arabic flute called “Nay.”

The Cairo Opera House is the pinnacle of musical excellence in Egypt and a hub for both classical Western music and Arabic music. Many internationally renowned performing arts groups and outstanding local artists regularly perform here. The annual Cairo International Film Festival held at the venue is Egypt’s largest cultural event. Ticket prices are affordable for the general public, with the highest ticket price not exceeding 75 Egyptian pounds. In respect for the art, the opera house enforces strict dress codes — men are required to wear formal attire and a tie.

Cairo Opera House

Must-visit reason: The pinnacle of musical excellence in Egypt

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Egypt[Egypt]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Cairo Governorate [Cairo Governorate]

City where the attraction is located: Cairo [Cairo]