Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
At the center of Cairo's Gezira Island, there is the Egyptian Opera House, a symbol of Arab art, sophistication, and cultural representation. As the hub of performing arts in Egypt, the opera house has become synonymous with refinement as the venue where classical music, opera, ballet, traditional Arabic performances, and international cultural festivals are held.
But the past of the Cairo Opera House goes deeper than its own contemporary architecture — it lies in a historical legacy beyond Egypt's imperial history and its contemporary lifestyle. Let us journey through time and follow the history of the Egyptian Opera House, from royal origins to its current form as a cultural center.
The first Egyptian opera house was built on the orders of Khedive Ismail in preparation for the official opening of the Suez Canal. It is named the Khedivial Opera House and was opened in 1869 to symbolize Egypt's shift towards becoming a culture hub on par with Europe.
Location: Azbakeya Gardens, Downtown Cairo
Architect: Designed by Italian architects Rossi and Avoscani
Opening Performance: Verdi’s Rigoletto, not Aida as many assume
Notable Fact: Verdi’s Aida was commissioned by Khedive Ismail but premiered later in 1871 in Cairo
The Khedivial Opera House was not only a symbol of royal ambition but a rare example of European classical arts being introduced in the Middle East during the 19th century.
And after over a century of spectacular performances, calamity struck. In October 1971, the Khedivial Opera House was gutted by fire, reducing to ashes all it had ever come into contact with, from invaluable musical recordings to scenery and costumes. Cairo had lost one of its dearest cultural institutions in one night.
For over a decade after the fire, Egypt did not have a national opera and ballet house, and its productions were adopted by other theatres and universities.
The new era began in 1988 when Japan kindly left Egypt with a new opera house, a token of appreciation of the good diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Location: Zamalek's El Gezirah Island in Cairo
Date of Inauguration: 10th October, 1988
Architectural Style: Blend of Japanese elegance and Egyptian splendor
Facilities: Main Hall, Small Hall, Open-Air Theater, Art Gallery, Music Library, etc.
The new Egyptian Opera House shortly became the official residence of Egypt's national institutions of performing arts.
The Egyptian Opera House is now the cultural heartbeat of Cairo, the site of a series of events:
Opera Productions: Western operas and Arabic productions
Ballet Productions: Featuring the Cairo Ballet Company
Concerts: Classical, jazz, Arabic, and international music
Art Exhibitions & Conferences
Festivals of the Year: Featuring Cairo Opera House Festival
It also features such distinguished ensembles as:
Cairo Symphony Orchestra
Cairo Opera Company
Cairo Opera Ballet Company
National Arab Music Ensemble
In contrast with its royal equivalent, the new Egyptian Opera House is a modern cultural center, one that is intended to demonstrate artistic effectiveness as well as Egyptian heritage.
More than 1,200 guests are seated in the Main Hall.
The Open-Air Theater offers magical Nile-side performances.
The Cultural Hub is where lectures, art exhibitions, and learning processes take place.
It is also deemed a symbol of artistic and intellectual freedom within the Arab world.
Where: Gezira Island, Zamalek, Cairo
Nearest Landmark: Cairo Tower
Best Time to Go: Evening for shows, or daytime for guided tours
Dress Code: Smart casual or formal, especially in the evening
Tickets are usually available for online booking in advance on the official Cairo Opera House website, or at the box office in person.
Egypt Opera House is not just a theatre. It is:
Egypt's cultural strength in the wake of the 1971 fire
The nation's welcome to world arts
A heritage of royal patronage and contemporary diplomacy
In a temple-and-ancient pyramid-born city, the Opera House suggests that Egypt's history doesn't have to culminate with ancient Egypt — it continues on in music, art, and fantasy.
The Egyptian Opera House is not just a theater — it's a statement of Egypt's fascination with the arts, its past, and cosmopolitan sensibilities. As a traveler in search of culture or a music enthusiast seeking first-rate performances, the Opera House is a must-see attraction in Cairo.
Let its elegant halls and global productions move you to discover Egypt.
Explore more on The Egyptian Museum in Cairo to complement your cultural visit.
Plan your full experience with our Cairo Day Tours.
Discover now our answers to the most common questions that may come to your mind about tourism and trips to Egypt
Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
The Dead Sea, Petra in Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's historic temples, and many other famous sites can be expected to be explored with Deluxe Tours.
offer a hassle-free holiday, Deluxe Tours' packages generally include lodging, transport, meals, guided tours with experienced local experts, and entry fees to attractions.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the finest weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, making those months the best times to visit Egypt and Jordan.
These two countries are close by, only a 1.5-hour flight apart, and when combined, offer a variety of distinctive experiences. We advise you to spend at least 12 days visiting both countries for a truly unforgettable experience
Combining the eclipse viewing with visits to historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and a Nile River cruise are highly recommended.
