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Cairo Opera House
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Landmark
The Cairo Opera House, situated on the southern end of Gezira Island in the Zamalek district, is Egypt's premier performing arts venue. It was inaugurated on October 10, 1988, as a gift from the Japanese government to Egypt, following the destruction of the historic Khedivial Opera House by fire in 1971. The building's design blends contemporary architectural styles with traditional Islamic motifs, such as intricate latticework and geometric forms. The complex features several theaters, including the Main Hall for large-scale opera and ballet performances and an Open-Air Theater for diverse cultural events. Home to the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, it serves as a spirited hub for international art festivals and local exhibitions, fostering both classical and modern artistic expression in the Middle East.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Masrah Negm · Mahmoud Khaleel · Cairo Opera House
- Nearby: Shubra El Kheima (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Cairo Opera House is a modern cultural venue on Gezira Island, open for performances and tours. You can explore the building outside and partly inside if no rehearsal is ongoing - access to halls is often tied to events.
Typical hours
The opera house typically opens one hour before a performance starts and closes after the event ends. For visits without a show, call to inquire about box office and public area opening hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the public foyers without flash; during performances, filming and photography are strictly prohibited. For professional shoots, permission from the press office is required.
Time needed
A tour of the opera house without a performance takes about 30-45 minutes. If attending a concert or opera, add the performance duration (approx. 2-3 hours).
Combine with
The opera house is on Gezira Island, where you can also visit the Cairo Tower and the Andalusian Garden. A stroll along the Nile makes a pleasant addition to your cultural outing.
Getting there
The opera house is reachable by metro (Sadat or Gezira station) and taxi. Plenty of parking is available nearby, but due to traffic, public transport is recommended.
Insider tip
Book tickets for opera or ballet performances at least a week in advance online. During the interval, you can go up to the rooftop terrace offering a wonderful view over Cairo.
Geography
Facts
- The Opera House was officially opened on October 10, 1988.
- The Main Hall has a maximum seating capacity of 1,200 people.
- The project was funded by a grant from the Japan Foundation.
- There are seven different performing spaces within the entire complex.
- The grounds house the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art.
- The facility is the first opera house in the region to use computerized stage lighting.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cairo Opera House (6)
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of performances take place at the Opera House?
There are operas, ballet, classical concerts, and traditional Arabic music.
Is there a dress code for performances?
Yes, formal attire (suit/evening dress) is expected for evening performances.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online via the official website.
What is the best way to get there?
By metro (Opera station) or conveniently by taxi/Uber to Gezira Island.
Are there guided tours of the building?
Tours are occasionally offered, but usually need to be requested in advance.
Cairo Opera House: where is it located?
Cairo Opera House is located in Egypt.
Cairo Opera House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Masrah Negm, Mahmoud Khaleel, Cairo Opera House.
Cairo Opera House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Cairo Opera House: why is it worth visiting?
The Cairo Opera House, situated on the southern end of Gezira Island in the Zamalek district, is Egypt's premier performing arts venue.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Cairo Tower
A free-standing concrete television tower in Cairo, standing at 187 meters and offering panoramic views of the city.
Qasr el-Nil Bridge
A historic structure dating back to 1931, linking Tahrir Square to Gezira Island over the Nile River.
Egyptian Museum
One of the most important museums of ancient history, situated in Tahrir Square, holding an extensive collection of antiquities.
Manial Palace
A historic art and history museum situated in the El Manial district of southern Cairo, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik.
Abdeen Palace
A historic Cairo palace serving as one of the official residences and principal workplaces of the President of Egypt.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Hanging Church
One of the oldest churches in Egypt, located in Coptic Cairo, uniquely built suspended over the gatehouse of a Roman fortress.
Sultan Hassan Mosque
A monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, known for its massive scale.
Nature
More places
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Al-Azhar Park
A green oasis in Cairo's old city.
Islamic Cairo
The historic core area of Cairo containing a wealth of Islamic architecture covering hundreds of years.
Citadel of Saladin
A medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, built by Saladin to protect it from the Crusaders.
Great Sphinx of Giza
A massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, likely Pharaoh Khafre.
Giza Pyramid Complex
Egypt's most famous pyramids, built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
Heliopolis Park
Large city park with recreational opportunities.