ART

The cultural affairs of Cairo are about to be put back in order, thanks to a new, seven-story arts center being built downtown. Sixteen years ago a fire demolished the old opera house, built in 1869, and due to the country’s economic problems, no new building has replaced it until now. In addition to a 1,100-seat opera house, the $47-million new center will house two smaller theaters, a museum, a library, an art gallery and a conference hall. The project, due for completion late this year, is being completely financed and built by Japanese financiers and engineers.