In a landmark celebration of one of the Arab world’s most iconic cultural figures, Egypt’s Ministry of Culture is set to inaugurate a major visual arts exhibition titled “Voice of Egypt” (Sawt Misr) in tribute to the legendary singer Umm Kulthum. The exhibition opens at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, at the Fine Arts Complex (Aisha Fahmy Palace) in the Zamalek district of Cairo, as part of Egypt’s national celebration of The Year of Umm Kulthum.
The event will be officially opened by Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, and is organized under the supervision of the Fine Arts Sector, led by Dr. Walid Qannoush. It promises to be an immersive artistic experience that revisits the extraordinary life and legacy of Umm Kulthum through a multifaceted visual and historical lens.
A Visual Journey Through a National Icon
Described as a documentary-inspired visual experience, the exhibition blends contemporary art, archival journalism, and rare personal memorabilia to narrate the story of a woman whose voice not only defined a generation but became a pillar of modern Egyptian identity.
“This is not just an art exhibition—it’s a layered cultural reconstruction,” said Ali Saeed, General Director of Art Centers and curator of the exhibition. “We wanted to tell Umm Kulthum’s story through a visual language that interweaves fine art, music memory, and historical documentation, offering visitors a renewed perspective on her influence.”
Featuring 29 Artists from Across Generations
The exhibition will showcase the work of 29 Egyptian artists, spanning generations and artistic disciplines—from painting and sculpture to mixed media installations. Each work reflects the enduring inspiration Umm Kulthum provides to Egypt’s creative community, more than five decades after her passing in 1975.
In addition to contemporary artworks, the exhibition includes a curated archive of original newspapers and magazine covers documenting her life and career. These rare materials chronicle her transformation from a celebrated singer into a national symbol, capturing public moments, interviews, and concert reviews that defined her cultural resonance.
Rare Artifacts on Public Display
In collaboration with the Cultural Development Fund, the exhibition will also feature rare personal artifacts from Umm Kulthum’s museum in Manial. Among the items on display are stage costumes, accessories, handwritten notes, and musical memorabilia, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the woman behind the icon.
These objects serve to humanize Umm Kulthum—presenting her not only as a transcendent artist, but also as a public intellectual, philanthropist, and enduring symbol of Arab womanhood.
A National Invitation to Rediscover a Legend
The Ministry of Culture is inviting the Egyptian public, as well as artists, intellectuals, and media professionals, to attend what is expected to be one of the most culturally significant events of the year.
Through “Voice of Egypt,” Umm Kulthum’s story is reimagined—not only as a nostalgic look back, but as a living legacy that continues to shape Arab identity, artistic expression, and national pride.
