Khaberni - The decision of the family of the late artist Abdel Halim Hafez to impose financial fees for visiting his house in Zamalek ignited a widespread wave of anger among his fans and admirers, as many considered it a clear violation of the will of the Black Nightingale, who had expressed during his lifetime the wish for his house to remain open to the public.
The decision came in an official statement published by the family on the official page of Abdel Halim Hafez's house on "Facebook", explaining that the booking door for visits has been temporarily closed until mid-November, in preparation for launching a website and electronic application specifically for organizing visits, with bookings to be later made through them only.
The family confirmed that the new phase will include symbolic fees for Egyptians, while different prices will be set for foreign visitors, indicating that the goal of imposing these fees is to preserve the house and conduct periodic maintenance, in addition to hiring specialized guides to accompany visitors and explain the details and artistic history of the place.
The statement also clarified that any photography for the content or programs inside the house would be for a fee, to cover operating expenses and house maintenance, and to operate the official page and the electronic application to be launched.
The announcement quickly turned into a major public crisis, as many fans of the Nightingale vehemently attacked the decision via social media, considering it a violation of Abdel Halim's human and artistic legacy, which always expressed his love for his audience and his desire for his house to be open to them without charge.
The intensity of the debate increased after the official page of the Nightingale's house responded to the critics with angry statements, one of which said: "There are two solutions; either completely close the house and prohibit visits, or hire a company to manage the place with no profit for the family, as we are no longer able to handle things this way, especially given the (lack of taste and poor treatment) from some visitors."
The family also denied accusations of turning the house into a commercial project, asserting that they have borne the operating costs for about 48 years, and added in another comment: "In every country in the world, artists' houses are visited for large amounts of money, and we are just trying to preserve the house and organize visits, not seeking profits."
The family explained that this decision resulted from the increasing demand for visits and the poor behavior of some visitors, pointing out that the goal is to establish a system that ensures the house remains open to the public and future generations, so it does not meet the fate of other artists' houses that have been closed or demolished.
