'''Cairo Opera House''' is the most elite arts venue in [[Cairo]], and is the jewel in the crown of the National Cultural Centre. It was opened in 1988 in southern Gezira Island to replace the old Opera House, opened in the 19th century and destroyed by fire in 1971. The building is highly distinctive, being built in Neo-Islamic style. The opening performance was a traditional [[Japanese]] Kabuki show, attended by Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, brother of the Emperor of Japan, along with President [[Hosni Mubarak]]. It was the first time such a show had been staged in the region, and was chosen for the guest of honour, as Japan had funded much of the work on the new building. It is the home of the world renowned Cairo Symphony Orchestra. | '''Cairo Opera House''' is the most elite arts venue in [[Cairo]], and is the jewel in the crown of the National Cultural Centre. It was opened in 1988 in southern Gezira Island to replace the old Opera House, opened in the 19th century and destroyed by fire in 1971. The building is highly distinctive, being built in Neo-Islamic style. The opening performance was a traditional [[Japanese]] Kabuki show, attended by Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, brother of the Emperor of Japan, along with President [[Hosni Mubarak]]. It was the first time such a show had been staged in the region, and was chosen for the guest of honour, as Japan had funded much of the work on the new building. It is the home of the world renowned Cairo Symphony Orchestra. |