With the 23rd edition of the Arab Music Festival, the lobby of the Cairo Opera House has been turned into a captivating display of strings instruments – mostly violins and violas – some of which are a few centuries old.

Considering that Egypt does not have a music museum that would exhibit rare instruments, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy the display.

According to the notes accompanying the instruments, the exhibition is organised in cooperation with Beit El Kaman.

The strings include Kessler violin and French Nicolas Dupot viola, both from the end of the 19th century. Another gem is a violin made by Joseph Klotz in Germany in 1795 as well as a rare George Klotz violin in mint condition.

The instruments will remain on display until 9 November, the last day of the Arab Music Festival.

The festival is an annual event, this year it was held between 1 and 9 November in Cairo, Alexandria and Damanhour.