Cairo Opera House, Cairo

The Cairo Opera House was built with funds donated by the Japanese Government and inaugurated in 1988. The first performance was a Japanese Kabuki show. It was the first ever Kabuki performance in the African continent.

The first Cairo Opera House was the Khedivial Opera House commissioned by Khedive Ismail in 1869 to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal. Guiseppe Verdi was commissioned to write the opera Aida with an Egyptian theme. The building was inaugurated with the performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto. In 1971, the building was completely destroyed by a fire. The Japanese Government gave the new building as a gift on former President Hosni Mubarak’s visit to Japan in 1983 and the inauguration of the new building was by President Mubarak and Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, the younger brother of the present Emperor of Japan.

The Cairo Opera House has seven floors and was designed by Egyptian and Japanese architects with an Islamic style. It has three levels and can seat up to 1,300 people. The building houses a smaller hall that seats up to 500 people on a and is used for chamber music and recitals. There is also an amphitheater for outdoor performances. It is the home of the Cairo Ballet Company, the Cairo Choir, the Arab Music Ensemble and the Cairo Children’s Choir.

Why You Should Visit:
Very nice place especially by the night lights; however, the interior lighting and sound are also amazing.
Well worth a stroll through the music library, art gallery and museum, even if you're not seeing a performance.
You can find all the details & monthly schedule on the official website and reserve online.

Tip:
Make sure to stop by the on-site café that has one of the most beautiful atmospheres.