The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has decided to open the roof of the Baron Empain palace in Heliopolis to visitors when the building is re-opened this month after a period of restoration.

SCA Secretary-General Mostafa Waziri told Ahram Online that the decision was taken in order to allow visitors to enjoy the magnificent design of the roof and its opulent art decoration, and to allow them to admire the panorama view of Orouba Street where Sultana Malak’s palace is located, as are several other distinguished landmarks.

The prices for roof access will be EGP 50 for foreigners and EGP 20 for Egyptians.

The palace entry ticket costs EGP 100 for foreign visitors, EGP 50 for foreign students, EGP 20 for Egyptians, and EGP 10 for Egyptian students. That ticket includes entrance to the palace, its gardens, and a tram that is on display.

The palace will re-open this month and will feature an exhibition on the history of Heliopolis, to include a collection of photographs, archival documents, maps, panels, drawings and official letters in relation to the construction and history of Heliopolis and Matariya.

It will also include furniture and household objects reflecting the lifestyles of the suburb’s inhabitants during that period.