In act second and scene second the textbook of the "Magic Flute" prescribes a transformation of the stage scenery:

"Nigh. Thunder in the distance. The theatre is converted into a reduced foreyard of the temple, where we see the remains of collapsed pillars and pyramids, together with some briers. On both sides there are standing practicable high ancient Egyptian doors, looking more like wings of a building."

Have we to do here with this Egyptian ruin-scene? The obelisk and the symbolism discussed until now point to it.