Cairo Opera House

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

　　As a gem of postmodern architecture, the opera house in the upscale Zamalek district was originally designed in 1869 by Italian architects Avoscani and Rossi to celebrate the inauguration of the Suez Canal during the reign of Khedive Ismail. It was later redesigned in 1988 by a Japanese architect. The opera house features two main concert halls, an open-air theater, and a museum that documents 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 of the new opera house, as well as a two-meter-long Arabic flute called the “Nay.”

　　The Cairo Opera House is Egypt’s premier music institution and a hub for both classical Western 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 opera house, is Egypt’s largest cultural event. Tickets are affordably priced, with the highest costing no more than 75 Egyptian pounds. Reflecting a deep respect for the art form, the opera house enforces a strict dress code—men are required to wear formal attire and a tie.

　　Cairo Opera House Must-visit reason: Egypt’s premier music institution Continent: Africa Country/Region: Egypt Province/State: Cairo Governorate City: Cairo