Cairo Opera House: A Tourist's Guide

Cairo Opera House is the main performing arts venue in the Egyptian capital of Cairo. Home to the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, the Cairo Opera Company, and the Cairo Opera Ballet, it is also a popular venue for other cultural events such as ballets, operas, and concerts.

The Opera House has hosted several important events since its opening, including the Cairo International Film Festival and the Arab Music Festival. Recently, it has become a popular venue for weddings and other private functions.

If you're interested in experiencing the best of Cairo's performing arts scene, Egypt's Opera House is a must-visit.

This guide will cover the history, performers, venues and facilities at the Cairo Opera House. It will also try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the venue, such as: What is the best time to visit? What are the entrance fees? What to wear? - and more.

History

The Cairo Opera House is the main performing arts venue in the Egyptian capital of Cairo. 

The original Cairo Opera House was built in 1869 as a venue for the performing arts and was one of the first such buildings in the Middle East. It was designed by Italian architect Mario Rossi and was inaugurated with a performance of Verdi's Aida.

The theatre was a great success and became the centre of the city's cultural life. However, it was destroyed by fire in 1971 and was rebuilt as the Cairo Opera House in 1988. It is situated on Gezira Island in the middle of the River Nile.

The new Opera House is a state-of-the-art facility and has hosted some of the world's most famous performers, including Plácido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, and Yuri Temirkanov.

The Cairo Opera House is an important city symbol and a popular tourist destination. It is also one of the region's most important venues for performing arts.

Art Performers at Cairo Opera House

• The Cairo Symphony Orchestra is one of the most acclaimed symphony orchestras in the Middle East and has been led by many famous guest conductors.
• The Cairo Opera Ballet is a well-respected ballet company and was originally trained by Soviet experts. These choreographers include Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, and Frederick Ashton.
• The Cairo Opera House Children's Choir is the resident children's choir at the Cairo Opera House. The choir was founded in 1988 and performed operas like Carmen, Don Giovanni, and La Bohème.

The list of guest performers at the Cairo Opera House is impressive and includes some of the most famous names in the entertainment industry. The Cairo Opera House has many performances throughout the year including opera, symphony, modern, traditional, and ballet.

Venues and Facilities(Reference Wikipedia)

The Cairo Opera Complex comprises seven theatres, a music library, an art gallery and a museum.

• The Main Hall is the most popular theatre at the Cairo Opera House, and it is easy to see why. The grandiose design and acoustics make it the perfect place for large-scale productions. The Main Hall can seat 1,200 people, making it the largest of the seven theatres. The stage is one of the largest in the world, measuring 60 meters wide and 30 meters deep. The Main Hall also has the best lighting and sound systems of any of the theatres, making it the perfect place to experience a truly spectacular performance.
• The Small Hall is the second largest theatre at the Cairo Opera House and is designed for more intimate performances. The Small Hall can seat up to 500 people, making it the perfect place for plays, smaller musicals, and other more intimate productions. The stage is smaller than the Main Hall, measuring only 30 meters wide and 15 meters deep. The Small Hall also has a more intimate atmosphere, with softer lighting and a more intimate sound system.
• The Open-Air Theatre is the only theatre at the Cairo Opera House that is not indoors. The Open-Air Theatre is used for outdoor performances in the warmer months. The Open-Air Theatre can seat up to 600 people, making it the perfect place for outdoor performances. The stage is the same size as the Main Hall, measuring 60 meters wide and 30 meters deep. The Open-Air Theatre also has the same lighting and sound systems as the Main Hall, making it the perfect place to experience a spectacular performance.
• El Gomhouria Theatre is an exquisite theatre situated near Abdeen Royal Palace. It is under the administration of the Cairo Opera House.
• The Arab Music Institute has state-of-the-art technology and is well-suited to stage authentic Arab music performances.
• The Alexandria Opera House or Sayed Darwish Theatre.
• The Roman theatre, Alexandria, discovered in 1963, seats up to 800. It features white marble, green marble, red granite and mosaic, arches and stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Visit Cairo Opera House?

The Cairo Opera House is an important cultural landmark worth visiting. Here are five reasons why: 

1. The Cairo Opera House is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the Arab world and has been hosting world-class performances since it opened in 1869.
2. The Opera House is home to the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, the Cairo Opera House Children's Choir, and the Cairo Opera Ballet, making it the perfect place to experience some of the best classical and contemporary music and dance from Egypt and beyond.
3. The Opera House hosts various events throughout the year, from operas and ballets to concerts and musicals, ensuring there is always something to see and enjoy.
4. The Cairo Opera House is located in the heart of Cairo, making it easy to reach and enjoy as part of a day or evening out in the city.
5. The Opera House is a beautiful building in its own right and is well worth a visit even if you don't have time to see a performance.

The Cairo Opera House is a must-vis for anyone interested in the arts and culture. It is where you can experience the best Egyptian culture and art.

Who will enjoy visiting the Cairo Opera House?

The Cairo Opera House is a renowned performance venue that attracts some of the most talented musicians from around the globe. But it's not just the musicians who enjoy visiting this iconic building - a variety of tourists will find something to love about the Cairo Opera House. Here are three types of tourists who will enjoy a visit to this historic place.

1. Music Lovers
   The Cairo Opera House is, of course, a mecca for music lovers. With a calendar full of performances ranging from classical music to opera to modern pop, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Even if you're not a huge fan of classical music, the experience of seeing a world-renowned orchestra perform in such an iconic setting is not to be missed.
2. Architecture Enthusiasts
   The Cairo Opera House is a beautiful building, both inside and out. The exterior is clean and simplistic, while the interior features a stunning Arabic-style dome. Even if you're not interested in the music, visiting the Cairo Opera House is worth it for the architecture alone.
3. Culture Vultures
   The Cairo Opera House is a great place to experience Egyptian culture. From the food in the concession stands to the souvenirs in the gift shop, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. And, of course, the performances offer a chance to experience the best of Egyptian music and dance.

What is the best time to visit the Cairo Opera House?

The great time to visit the Cairo Opera House is during the Cairo International Film Festival, which takes place in November. This is the largest film festival in the Arab world and attracts filmmakers from all over the world. If you're interested in seeing some of the best new Arab films, this is the time to do it.

No matter when you visit, a trip to the Cairo Opera House is sure to be a memorable experience. This world-class venue is a must-see for anyone interested in the performing arts.

How do I get to the Cairo Opera House?

By Taxi:

The most direct way to get from the airport to the Opera House is by taxi. The government fixes taxi fares from the airport to central Cairo, so agree on a price before getting in the taxi. The trip should take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Metro:

There is a metro station 'Opera' right outside the Cairo Opera house on the Shubra al Khaimah line. This makes it pretty easy to get to the Opera House from any one the many metro stations across Cairo.

By Bus:

There are also buses that goes from Cairo Airport to the Opera House. The bus ride takes around 1 hour and costs around 30 EGP.

Note: Fees are subject to change without notice.

How much does it cost to visit the Cairo Opera House and when is it open?

The Opera House is open 24/7, with performances typically occurring in the evenings.

Ticket prices for Cairo Opera House performances vary depending on the event and seat location but start at around 150 EGP (approximately $9). Visit the Cairo Opera House website for upcoming performances and ticket prices.

Note: Fees and Opening Hours are subject to change without notice.  

What should I wear to the Cairo Opera House?

• Firstly, it is important to remember that the Opera House is a formal venue. As such, you should aim to dress in a way that is respectful and elegant.
• While there is no specific dress code, it is generally advisable to avoid wearing casual or sporty clothing.
• If you are still deciding what to wear, it is always better to err on caution and dress more formally than you think is necessary.
• With that said, a few items of clothing are specifically not allowed in the Opera House.
  
  These include:
• T-shirts with offensive or obscene messages.
• Clothing that is excessively revealing or provocative.
• Clothing that is excessively dirty or unkempt.
•  Clothing that is excessively baggy or saggy.
• Hats or other headwear that is not worn for religious or medical reasons.
• Finally, remember that the Opera House is a place of culture and refinement. As such, you should conduct yourself in a respectful and dignified manner at all times.

How fit do I need to be?

A few fitness requirements must be met to ensure that all visitors to the Opera House can enjoy the experience without risking their health. First and foremost, all visitors must be able to climb a flight of stairs without assistance. This is necessary to reach the seating areas and evacuate the building in an emergency.

In addition, all visitors must be able to stand for extended periods. This is because many performances at the Opera House require audiences to be on their feet for long periods. A person must stand for extended periods to enjoy the performance fully.

Finally, all visitors must be able to walk short distances. This is necessary to move around the Opera House and reach the nearest exit in an emergency.

While the Cairo Opera House does not have strict fitness requirements for visitors, it is important to note that if your mobility is severely limited it would be advisable to contact the venue before arriving to ensure that you aren't disappointed. The Opera House is a beautiful and historic venue, and all visitors must be able to enjoy the experience without putting their health at risk.

Is it safe to visit?

The answer is yes, visiting the Cairo Opera House is safe. No recent reports of violence or crime at the Opera House have been reported. And while there have been some protests in Egypt in recent years, they have generally been peaceful and have not targeted tourists.

Of course, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions when travelling to any country. But if you take basic safety precautions, there is no reason to avoid visiting the Cairo Opera House.

What are the Safety Recommendations?

The recommended safety conditions for visiting the Opera House and the surrounding area are as follows:

• Dress modestly, especially if you visit the Opera House on a weekday when it is open to the public.
• Avoid carrying large bags or backpacks as they may be challenging to manoeuvre in the crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and stay alert.
• Keep your belongings close to you and don't leave them unattended.
• If you are travelling with a tour group, follow the instructions of your tour leader.
• If you are visiting the Opera House on a weekend or holiday, be aware that the area surrounding the Opera House is usually very crowded.

Following these safety recommendations will help you have a safe and enjoyable visit to the Cairo Opera House.

What else can I do at the Cairo Opera House?

Cairo Opera House is one of the busiest and most popular tourist attractions in Cairo, Egypt. It is located in the heart of the city and is home to various activities and events. Here is a list of some of the most popular things to do at Cairo Opera House:

• Attend a Live Performance - The Cairo Opera House is home to various live performances, including music, dance, and theatre. There are typically several performances happening each day, so something is sure to be interesting.
• Take a Tour - If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of the Cairo Opera House, you can take a guided tour. Tours typically last an hour and are offered in English and Arabic.
• Visit the nearby Museum of Modern Art - It has a large collection of 20th and 21st century Egyptian art and is located in the Gezira Exhibition Grounds, just opposite the Cairo Opera House. 
• Attend a Workshop - The Cairo Opera House offers various workshops, including dance, music, and drama. These workshops are a great way to learn more about the arts and get involved in the local culture.

Here are some tips for visitors to the Cairo Opera House:

What useful tourist tips do you have for the Cairo Opera House?

If you are planning to visit the Cairo Opera House, here are some valuable tips to make your visit more enjoyable:

• Plan your visit - Check the schedule of events and buy tickets in advance. This will help you avoid the hassle of last-minute ticket purchases and will also allow you to get the best seats in the house.
• Dress appropriately - The Cairo Opera House is a formal venue, so it is important to dress accordingly. Men should wear a suit or sport coat, and women should wear a dress or skirt.
• Arrive early - This will give you time to find your seat and settle in before the performance begins. It will also allow you to enjoy the pre-show entertainment, which is often very good.
• Turn off your cell phone - It is important to respect the performers and the other audience members by turning off your cell phone before the performance begins.
• Applaud at the end of each performance - This shows appreciation for the performers and lets them know you enjoyed the show.

Following these tips, you can have a great time at the Cairo Opera House.