6th of October Panorama
Salah Salem, El Astad, Madent Naser, Cairo, Egypt
About
Salah Salem Street Junction of Orouba and Ismail El-Fangari Streets Heliopolis Tel: +202-24022317 Housed in a cylindrical building, this is a visual glorification of the Sadat's 1973 October War against the Israelis, including a display of tanks and armaments and three-dimensional panorama depicting events in the war, accompanied by a rousing commentary and seen from a revolving dais. Commentary is in Arabic but groups can arrange for an English commentary. The Panorama, as it is simply referred to by the locals, stands like a fortress in the middle of modern-day Egypt - a structure with hints of Islamic architecture. The cream-colored, building gleams in the sun, and is illuminated with dramatic lighting by night. Just inside the front gates is an open-air, static display of the weaponry used by both sides of the war. Artillery pieces, tanks, anti-tank guided missiles, scud missiles and fighter-bombers are set up around the courtyard. Facing the olive-green armaments captured from the Israelis are the weapons used by the Egyptian army to penetrate the Bar Lev Line. The Panorama's exhibit is presented in three parts. In Hall 1, a sound and light diorama re-enacts the history of the armed forces from 1967 to 1973. Behind the wide glass is a large, contour map of the Sinai Peninsula dotted with miniature tanks, naval ships and aircraft. In the background, music starts to play, patriotic songs from the likes of Abdel-Halim Hafez and Om Kolthoum that were prevalent during those years. Then, a dramatic retelling of the events begins complete with sound effects. After this short presentation, you move to another small theater in Hall 2 for a short documentary on the war. The final display is definitely the highlight of the entire presentation. At the top of the building, Hall 3 houses a circular theatre with a floor-to-ceiling mural extending the full 360 degrees around the wall. The visitors' entrance, parking lot and ticket window are at the back of the building. Story and information: http://www.traveltodayegypt.com/article.aspxArticleID=5685 Opening hours every day except Tuesdays, with shows starting at 9:30am, 11.00am, 12:30pm, 6.00pm and 7.00pm Entrance fee LE 20; Egyptians LE 3 with additional charges for cameras. Admission is free on October 6th.
