By: Yomna Walid
To mark 50 years since the passing of Umm Kulthum, the Ministry of Culture is launching &ldquo;The Voice of Egypt&rdquo; exhibition today, Monday, August 18th, 2025, at the Arts Complex (Aisha Fahmy Palace) in Zamalek. The exhibition will be launched this evening by Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Heno. A Celebration of Art and Memory Curated by artist Ali Saeed, General Director of the Arts Centers, the exhibition blends fine arts, history, and music into a creative tribute to Kawkab El Shark, Um Kulthum. Visitors can explore contemporary artworks, relevant press clippings, and personal belongings of Umm Kulthum, all on public display for the very first time. Speaking to Nile FM, Saeed explained: &ldquo;We wanted to create something different, a fusion of fine arts with history to honor 50 years since Umm Kulthum&rsquo;s passing.&rdquo; Saeed added: &ldquo;We combined painting, photography and sculpture with archival press materials that date back to the very beginning of her career, allowing visitors to relive pivotal moments of her life. Several artworks and personal belongings of Umm Kulthum are being displayed publicly for the very first time, which I believe will be a special revelation for visitors.&rdquo;
<a href="https://ibb.co/bjy0SdXC"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/hxn6P8V4/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a> 29 Artists, Rare Discoveries Saeed explained that the exhibition features creative artworks by 29 carefully chosen artists, including pieces by the late Salah Taher, who created timeless art inspired by Umm Kulthum. Visitors will also get the rare chance to see personal treasures and documents that highlight her journey, influence, and unmatched legacy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/yFy0JBQS"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/fdpM7Gxv/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a> Plans Beyond Cairo Saeed revealed that the team is considering taking the exhibition on tour across Egypt and internationally: &ldquo;Many materials couldn&rsquo;t be displayed due to space constraints, including an overwhelming number of books and documents. What we have here is just the first chapter of a larger project,&rdquo; he noted. When asked about the biggest challenge he faced, Saeed didn&rsquo;t hesitate: &ldquo;Time. Umm Kulthum&rsquo;s legacy in the press and in countless scholarly works is vast, and to present I fully could take years. Her story is endless; she will always stand as the pinnacle of Egypt&rsquo;s musical heritage.&rdquo;
<a href="https://ibb.co/XZRsSLw4"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Y7skpQrW/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a> &ldquo;I discovered new aspects of Umm Kulthum&rsquo;s life I hadn&rsquo;t known, like her ability to recite poetry at a very young age, verses that would challenge even an accomplished reader,&rdquo; he shared. He added: &ldquo;Her unwavering support for Egypt during difficult times and the sheer scale of her funeral, attended by millions. It was important for me to highlight these overlooked areas.&rdquo; Designed for Every Generation From her immortal voice playing throughout the halls to the immersive artworks surrounding it, the exhibition is crafted to engage both lifelong fans and younger generations discovering Umm Kulthum&rsquo;s magic for the first time.
<a href="https://ibb.co/3mzT89xn"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/chLypSWj/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a> The Exhibition In One Line When asked to summarize the project in a single phrase, Saeed simply said: &ldquo;Umm Kulthum is the voice that inspired the image.&rdquo;

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