Revolution museum due to open in july

A presidential decree has been issued to complete work on the El-Thawra (Revolution) Museum in preparation for its inauguration on the 50-year anniversary of the July 1952 Revolution.

President Hosni Mubarak instructed Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni to ensure that the museum, housed in the former headquarters of the Free Officers on Gezira Island, is ready for opening during the Revolution's golden jubilee celebrations.

Executive studies for the museum are complete and ready for implementation, Hosni said yesterday. He added that the museum would depict the history of the 1952 Revolution and its heroes.

His announcement came during a press conference held in Manesterli Palace, where Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak will tomorrow inaugurate the new Om Kolthoum Museum.

The Om Kolthoum Museum is the first of four museums dedicated to Egypt's famous artists and historical figures, Hosni said, adding that the coming year would see the opening of the Abdul Wahab, Abdul Halim Hafez and Sa'ad Zaghloul museums.

"The Om Kolthoum Museum will not only be a museum, but a cultural centre where artistic activities are held," Hosni said, adding that an annual prize in the name of the legendary diva would be granted to the country's most talented voices and musicians.