Tutankhamun Opera to Premiere in Cairo in February 2026
A new opera inspired by Tutankhamun will debut in Cairo before planned performances at major heritage sites.
An opera inspired by the life of king Tutankhamun, and developed by Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass, is set to be staged for the first time on February 4th, 2026, marking the debut of a project that blends operatic performance with ancient Egyptian history. The first performance will be held by invitation of the Italian Embassy, with around 350 Egyptian guests expected to attend.
The initial staging is intended as an introduction, ahead of plans to present the opera at a larger scale at either the Grand Egyptian Museum or the Pyramids area at a later stage. According to Hawass, the opera took nearly three years to develop and was written through a collaborative process involving an Italian writer and composer.
He described the work as an artistic reinterpretation of ancient Egyptian history, using contemporary creative forms to present Tutankhamun’s story to modern and international audiences. Hawass also said the opera is part of a wider cultural initiative linked to his work, which includes a forthcoming book and a series of artistic projects inspired by his scientific career and personal experiences.
Future performances at major heritage sites, such as the Grand Egyptian Museum or the Pyramids plateau, are intended to position international art forms as a means of promoting Egyptian civilisation and strengthening its global cultural presence.
