The Cairo Opera House, on the southern part of Gezira Island in the Zamalek district, is part of the National Cultural Centre and Egypt's main performing arts venue. Japan funded the building following President Hosni Mubarak's visit in 1983; after three years of construction, Mubarak and Prince Tomohito of Mikasa inaugurated it on 10 October 1988, an occasion that brought Kabuki to Africa for the first time. It succeeded the Khedivial Opera House, built in 1869 to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal, where Verdi's Aida had its world premiere in 1871, and which burned down in 1971. The Main Hall seats 1,200 on four levels, the Small Hall up to 500 and the Open-Air Theatre 600. The complex also includes a music library, an art gallery and a museum. Many of Egypt's leading musical ensembles are based here.
The Cairo Opera House was built in 1988 as a gift from Japan to Egypt — the predecessor building, the famous Khedivial Opera House of 1869 where Verdi's Aida was premiered in 1871, burned down in 1971.
At a glance
- Type
- Multi-genre theatre
- Location
- Kairo, Egypt