Cairo Opera House
Cairo Opera House
4
About
This cultural venue, The National Cultural Centre "Cairo Opera House" is part of the Ministry of Culture and serves as an umbrella organization for all the music or dance companies, galleries, museums and the educational programs of the Cairo Opera House. It was established in 1988 with the inauguration of the new Cairo Opera House. Its goal is to promote the arts of music and dance and to preserve and renew traditional Arab music. In order to be more than just a place where music and art are performed the National Cultural Centre wants to give space to learning and inspiration, to the exchange of ideas, the respect of a common cultural heritage, and a shared passion for the arts. It encourages interest for music and art in the younger generation by offering ballet, voice or instrumental classes for talented children or youths. Performances of ballet, operatic or symphonic works are staged with Egyptian companies or in cooperation with foreign ensembles or soloists. Seminars and cultural conferences covering a wide range of artistic and intellectual issues are held regularly. Opera House companies are frequently sent on tours to different Egyptian governorates to give the people in urban areas the chance to see national and international art performances. In March 1985, Former President Mubarak laid the first corner stone of the new Cairo Opera House which was to be built with the support of JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Careful planning by the Ministry of Culture in Cairo and the JICA produced a design suggestive of traditional Islamic architecture and blending in harmoniously with the surrounding buildings. In October 1988,Former President Mubarak and His Highness, Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, the younger brother of the Japanese Emperor, inaugurated the National Cultural Centre “Cairo Opera House” in a remarkable ceremony. It was the first time for Japan to stage a Kabuki show, a traditional popular drama with singing and dancing, in Africa or the Arab World.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Gezira (Opera • 2 min walk
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4.2
154 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
54
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Aisha Y
Cairo, Egypt106 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
If you appreciate classical music, opera, ballet, or theater performances then, you are more likely to have a great time in The Opera.
Before visiting, check the schedule for upcoming shows that align with your interests and arrive early to secure good seats for a great experience.
When visiting the Cairo Opera House, you should dress in a manner that is respectful and appropriate for the occasion. Formal or semi-formal is expected, especially for evening performances.
Before visiting, check the schedule for upcoming shows that align with your interests and arrive early to secure good seats for a great experience.
When visiting the Cairo Opera House, you should dress in a manner that is respectful and appropriate for the occasion. Formal or semi-formal is expected, especially for evening performances.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saleh Srour
Beirut, Lebanon45 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Yesterday I attended the oum Koulthoum hologram concert with marwa naguy and Riham Abdel hakim.
Th performance is excellent. The committee in charge of the opera is very professional they chose the best voices and programs.
Everyone who love beautiful art must attend a concert in the Cairo opera house.
Th performance is excellent. The committee in charge of the opera is very professional they chose the best voices and programs.
Everyone who love beautiful art must attend a concert in the Cairo opera house.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoohanTerry
Oxford, UK189 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We asked out Egyptian travel agent to book us tickets to the New year’s concert. They arranged tickets for us in the centre of the loges section which had an excellent view of the stage and musicians. We almost didn’t make it in though as gentlemen must wear ties. We were smartly dressed with shirts and blazers. However, they loaned us ties to enter. It seems like such a silly outdated rule and not very friendly to tourists who possibly wouldn’t travel with such clothes. The concert was great. The reason I mark it down is the staff, while friendly we’re hopelessly inefficient. We were passed through four staff members to be shown to our seats.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cleggan7
Dublin, Ireland45 contributions
Jan 2023
Went on a casual walking visit, not for a performance. The complex is very impressive and I was free to walk around the exteriors. Unable to gain entry to Opera House, was informed there was a tour on Sunday. Disappointing that no effort is made to feel the casual sightseer is welcome or provide access to facilities. There was a childrens art exhibition in the open space, which was interesting to observe the enthusiasm of the children and parents. Overall not worth the visit unless you are out for a casual walk.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul W
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania12 contributions
Feb 2020
We went to see the Georgia National Ballet who performed an entertaining show comprised of local/traditional dance. It was a relatively inexpensive compared to European shows. Tickets were easy to buy online. A tie was required but I was able to borrow one from the cloakroom which held spares for those unaware of this requirement. We also called into the Opera complex during the day. There is pleasant garden to take coffee and there was an art exhibition on the day of our visit, plus a children`s show in a smaller annex. We enjoyed the ambience and feel of walking around and exploring the complex which is calm compared to the hustle and bustle of Cairo. Well worth a visit to both see a show and explore the venue during the day. At night the main building is lit up beautifully and can be seen from afar, with its orange glow.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kareem G
Cairo, Egypt10 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Well the place is huge, has its own parking which is amazing in this very crowded part of the city. We booked our tickets online which was great thing to do and the atmosphere and the staff everybody was helpful, we really enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely do it again
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nisrin M
London, UK13 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
My husband was keen to see opera / they said it is Arabic but we accepted it
We got best expensive tickets
Told to be by 7.30
We waited out side for almost an hour and the event started one hour late!
Standing in the door
Music was very loud
Though area is nice around the area, we left before the last part as it started very late
We got best expensive tickets
Told to be by 7.30
We waited out side for almost an hour and the event started one hour late!
Standing in the door
Music was very loud
Though area is nice around the area, we left before the last part as it started very late
Written 10 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert N
Cairo, Egypt3 contributions
Sept 2012 • Family
You either live in Cairo or you are one of our esteemed guests. Out of all Cairo’s attractions you definitely picked a good one, one of the best ones. The traffic, honking, and yelling—all are nicely muffled by the state of the art sound proof theatre. A safe haven where only sounds pleasant to the ear are allowed!
You can count on everything to go according to plan, except there website. Don’t even bother with it, it’ll only bother you. It exists, but in the same way the pyramids still exist, it’s just there.
Do not let a fossil of a website deter your trip from the Opera House, and a great show. Where nowhere else in the world could you pay between 35LE (6USD) and 100LE (20USD) for a ticket!
The Opera House is probably one of the least frequented attractions by tourist but the easiest one to get to in all of Cairo. It has its only Metro stop (which in itself is its own kind of attraction) and that stop is called Opera! Or in Arabic, pronounced “Obera”, due to the flipping upside down of all “p”s.
Or if the Metro is not the sort of cheap thrill (1 LE to ride) you are chasing, just hop in a cab and tell them “Obera”,that should do the trick. To be on the safe side, have a map, and pinpoint the place before you head out: it is a rather large complex at the south end of the island called Zamalak.
If you are staying in a hotel around Tahrir square, and are feeling brave, you can also walk. Walk straight down Tahrir Street, and across Tahrir Bridge, and it will be smack dab in front of you, you can’t miss the large arch over the entrance. Once inside the compound, signs will lead you to the ticket booth.
Around the ticket booth and in displays on the walls, you can see what is showing, whether opera, orchestra, or local sounds. The orchestra schedule is a bit sporadic and the operas generally run for five days. It is really the luck of the draw whenever you happen to show up. All shows start at 8pm on whatever their assigned date is, so show up the day before or early in the afternoon to see what’s playing and to purchase tickets. The nose bleeds are 35LE, the ground level orchestra seats are 100LE, and all the rest of seats are in between the aforesaid prices.
If you can’t find a show that you’re interested in or nothing is playing, the Opera compound has two other buildings that resemble museums rather more than the warehouse that is the Egyptian Museum.
The Cairo Opera House has the works, an opera company, opera symphony orchestra, opera chorus, ballet, and an A Cappella chorus. A Full scale operation to say the least!
So far I have been to eight performances: 3 operas, 3 symphonies, 1 ballet, and a recent special performance by the Munich String and Percussion Orchestra (which was a knock out!)
I would agree with the next guy if he told me, “I didn’t come to Cairo for the opera.” I would let him have his say on the matter, and when he finishes, tell him that for the price he pays, he must go to the Cairo Opera, just to say he did, what else is there to do in Cairo at 8pm on any given night?
You will get so much more than you expected-- you really do get an excellent and professional performance! Aida by Verdi was so much fun I have gone two consecutive seasons, so as to see any improvements or changes, and it was even more fun the second time! The sets are simple but creative, the costumes are flamboyant and colorful, it is full of dancing, women fainting and crying, and bittersweet love! A must see if playing. Since it is set in Ancient Egypt, what better place than to see it than in a modern Egyptian Opera House (courtesy of the Japanese)?
Based on the, ballet performance- Tango Reve—I attended during the Spring season, which was a showcase for the talent of the Opera Company Ballet, definitely consider a dance concert if the Opera is not available. The choreography and subjects were contemporary themes, entirely produced “in house”—extremely well done.
I have yet to be disappointed with a show, maybe one or two slight wardrobe snags—there was a dramatic moment in Aida when Amneris’ gown was held captive by her throne as she rushed to join Radames--, but that is it. I on the other hand, have once been guilty of a wardrobe malfunction: I thought I could be semi-formal for a weekday symphony. I was mistaken, but it was solved by their free rental tie service, and my buddy’s jacket (which fit me like a trench coat). The dress code is “formal”, but not black tie. A tie and a blazer, of whatever color you fancy, just gotta have it for show. And ladies, no jeans or obviously casual attire. If you didn’t bring a dressier top with you to Cairo, wrap yourself up in the lovely shawl that you’ve purchased at one of the nicer traditional handcraft shops and that will pass muster.
No cameras allowed, if you want to bring it, you will have to check it once inside.
I have talked enough about how great the shows are, now let me touch on a not so pleasant side of the whole thing-- the local audience. You are (relatively) safe (from nuisance) in the orchestra seating, otherwise they are a hit or miss crew in the courtesy department. Many take the liberty of chatting to each other during the performance—including during the arias, others clack away at their cell phones, sending texts to the outside world. It is a habit in this Opera hall that whenever a singer hits a long high note to clap at the end and some go as far as to exclaim “Bravo!”, even if the scene is not over, a nuisance of an interruption, for viewer and performer alike. Do “shush” the chatters if you want, it might work better for you than for my family, some seem to give a look of “how dare you” upon being “shushed”, but they will get over it.
There are refreshments during the intermission, nothing stronger than a Pepsi or tea, and nothing blander than water. There is a café on the first floor in case you are falling asleep or are a bit chilly from the air conditioning-- there you can find a pick-me-up espresso and a warming hot chocolate.
IMPORTANT!! If you have to make a trip to the Ladies room, bring your own tissues. Guys, borrow tissues from the ladies if that is what you’ll need. The bathroom attendants give out toilet paper to dry your hands (if they have any), and expect a pound or two tip. But better safe than sorry- This is where Cairo is great, you can buy tissues in the street for a pound, best place to get ‘em, you can’t miss ‘em!
As you leave the show and are walking out of the spacious empty compound back into the hectic Cairo streets, you will feel like you really did stumble onto a special an unexpected treat. Hopefully it adds a bit of flavor and variety to your Cairo trip. I will be the first to admit, there are only so many rocks that one can handle to see! SO Enjoy!
You can count on everything to go according to plan, except there website. Don’t even bother with it, it’ll only bother you. It exists, but in the same way the pyramids still exist, it’s just there.
Do not let a fossil of a website deter your trip from the Opera House, and a great show. Where nowhere else in the world could you pay between 35LE (6USD) and 100LE (20USD) for a ticket!
The Opera House is probably one of the least frequented attractions by tourist but the easiest one to get to in all of Cairo. It has its only Metro stop (which in itself is its own kind of attraction) and that stop is called Opera! Or in Arabic, pronounced “Obera”, due to the flipping upside down of all “p”s.
Or if the Metro is not the sort of cheap thrill (1 LE to ride) you are chasing, just hop in a cab and tell them “Obera”,that should do the trick. To be on the safe side, have a map, and pinpoint the place before you head out: it is a rather large complex at the south end of the island called Zamalak.
If you are staying in a hotel around Tahrir square, and are feeling brave, you can also walk. Walk straight down Tahrir Street, and across Tahrir Bridge, and it will be smack dab in front of you, you can’t miss the large arch over the entrance. Once inside the compound, signs will lead you to the ticket booth.
Around the ticket booth and in displays on the walls, you can see what is showing, whether opera, orchestra, or local sounds. The orchestra schedule is a bit sporadic and the operas generally run for five days. It is really the luck of the draw whenever you happen to show up. All shows start at 8pm on whatever their assigned date is, so show up the day before or early in the afternoon to see what’s playing and to purchase tickets. The nose bleeds are 35LE, the ground level orchestra seats are 100LE, and all the rest of seats are in between the aforesaid prices.
If you can’t find a show that you’re interested in or nothing is playing, the Opera compound has two other buildings that resemble museums rather more than the warehouse that is the Egyptian Museum.
The Cairo Opera House has the works, an opera company, opera symphony orchestra, opera chorus, ballet, and an A Cappella chorus. A Full scale operation to say the least!
So far I have been to eight performances: 3 operas, 3 symphonies, 1 ballet, and a recent special performance by the Munich String and Percussion Orchestra (which was a knock out!)
I would agree with the next guy if he told me, “I didn’t come to Cairo for the opera.” I would let him have his say on the matter, and when he finishes, tell him that for the price he pays, he must go to the Cairo Opera, just to say he did, what else is there to do in Cairo at 8pm on any given night?
You will get so much more than you expected-- you really do get an excellent and professional performance! Aida by Verdi was so much fun I have gone two consecutive seasons, so as to see any improvements or changes, and it was even more fun the second time! The sets are simple but creative, the costumes are flamboyant and colorful, it is full of dancing, women fainting and crying, and bittersweet love! A must see if playing. Since it is set in Ancient Egypt, what better place than to see it than in a modern Egyptian Opera House (courtesy of the Japanese)?
Based on the, ballet performance- Tango Reve—I attended during the Spring season, which was a showcase for the talent of the Opera Company Ballet, definitely consider a dance concert if the Opera is not available. The choreography and subjects were contemporary themes, entirely produced “in house”—extremely well done.
I have yet to be disappointed with a show, maybe one or two slight wardrobe snags—there was a dramatic moment in Aida when Amneris’ gown was held captive by her throne as she rushed to join Radames--, but that is it. I on the other hand, have once been guilty of a wardrobe malfunction: I thought I could be semi-formal for a weekday symphony. I was mistaken, but it was solved by their free rental tie service, and my buddy’s jacket (which fit me like a trench coat). The dress code is “formal”, but not black tie. A tie and a blazer, of whatever color you fancy, just gotta have it for show. And ladies, no jeans or obviously casual attire. If you didn’t bring a dressier top with you to Cairo, wrap yourself up in the lovely shawl that you’ve purchased at one of the nicer traditional handcraft shops and that will pass muster.
No cameras allowed, if you want to bring it, you will have to check it once inside.
I have talked enough about how great the shows are, now let me touch on a not so pleasant side of the whole thing-- the local audience. You are (relatively) safe (from nuisance) in the orchestra seating, otherwise they are a hit or miss crew in the courtesy department. Many take the liberty of chatting to each other during the performance—including during the arias, others clack away at their cell phones, sending texts to the outside world. It is a habit in this Opera hall that whenever a singer hits a long high note to clap at the end and some go as far as to exclaim “Bravo!”, even if the scene is not over, a nuisance of an interruption, for viewer and performer alike. Do “shush” the chatters if you want, it might work better for you than for my family, some seem to give a look of “how dare you” upon being “shushed”, but they will get over it.
There are refreshments during the intermission, nothing stronger than a Pepsi or tea, and nothing blander than water. There is a café on the first floor in case you are falling asleep or are a bit chilly from the air conditioning-- there you can find a pick-me-up espresso and a warming hot chocolate.
IMPORTANT!! If you have to make a trip to the Ladies room, bring your own tissues. Guys, borrow tissues from the ladies if that is what you’ll need. The bathroom attendants give out toilet paper to dry your hands (if they have any), and expect a pound or two tip. But better safe than sorry- This is where Cairo is great, you can buy tissues in the street for a pound, best place to get ‘em, you can’t miss ‘em!
As you leave the show and are walking out of the spacious empty compound back into the hectic Cairo streets, you will feel like you really did stumble onto a special an unexpected treat. Hopefully it adds a bit of flavor and variety to your Cairo trip. I will be the first to admit, there are only so many rocks that one can handle to see! SO Enjoy!
Written 1 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveler047
Seattle, WA47 contributions
During my trip to Egypt in February 2007, I went to the Cairo Opera House and saw Aida. It was very magical and help to make my trip. I saw on the internet that Aida was playing at the Opera House but I was unable to buy tickets before arriving in Cairo. I contacted our hotel Mena House and they said we could buy once we arrived in Cairo.
We took a taxi to the Opera House the day before the performance and bought tickets. The seats turned out to be quite nice. This is a nice little opera house and I understand it is quite new. I'm from Seattle and our opera house is quite a bit larger.
We enjoyed the performance immensely and would defintely go again. The seats were $21.00 a piece.
We took a taxi to the Opera House the day before the performance and bought tickets. The seats turned out to be quite nice. This is a nice little opera house and I understand it is quite new. I'm from Seattle and our opera house is quite a bit larger.
We enjoyed the performance immensely and would defintely go again. The seats were $21.00 a piece.
Written 21 February 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustMyTwoCentsWorth
Portland, OR196 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
You'll find this beautiful opera house directly opposite Tahrir Square going east across the Qasr al-Nil Bridge in the heart of Zamalek - an island in the Nile. Last week my wife and I enjoyed the ballet of Romeo & Juliet. Last fall I saw the opera of Aida. Both experiences were quite pleasant. For just 100 Egyptian Pounds (about $14 USD), you can buy the best seat in the house. Unfortunately, the opera house is not set up to sell tickets via the Internet and I don't think they'll sell tickets over the phone, but I'm not positive about that. I went several days in advance to the ticket window to buy our tickets. The artists, both ballet and orchestra, were professional. The opera last fall was very good, too. It might not be quite on par with other hallmarks like New York or London, but I was sufficiently impressed and pleased with the performances. I was glad that no one was smoking inside at anytime. Some idiots played with their smart phones during the performances and the ushers did nothing to enforce the "no electronics" policy. The seats are a tad bit cramped - I would imagine if you're extra tall or overweight it might not be as comfortable. But it really is a relaxing, beautiful place to visit for a fine evening of entertainment. I would highly recommend if you're spending an extended amount of time in Cairo. For men, jackets and ties are required in the main hall.
Written 13 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do I order tickets for a performance at the Cairo Opera house, Main theatre? I have been calling and calling. I am nervous about the event selling out and we are flying in from the USA the first week in November.
Written 25 September 2023
How to order tickets online for the Forsan El Sharq Heritage Company performance on Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 in the Main Hall of the Cairo Opera house, please! I have been calling from the USA for many, many days trying to reach someone! There is not a clear place on your website to order.
Written 19 September 2023
What about dress code for small hall in Cairo Opera house?
Written 14 March 2019
It depends on what you're going to attend, smart casual for ladies and formal for men
Written 17 June 2019
Hi, Is there any parking close to opera house ?
Written 18 February 2019
I've tried to book online but there seems to be aproblem with the website. I've also e-mailed and used the contact us form but got no reply (for 3 weeks now) - and no reply by phone. What's going on?
Written 26 March 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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