Hanoi Opera House is considered one of the most famous cultural and architectural building of Hanoi and located near Hoan Kiem Lake and Vietnam History Museum. It was built from 1901 to 1911 by French following the design of Paris Opera but in smaller size. The theater accommodates about 870 seats, used as a venue for classical art forms such as Opera, chamber music, drama … for the upper classes of French officials and a few rich Vietnamese. Architectural structure and decoration in the Opera House are popular style of France in the late 19th and early 20th century, thus making the building special in the center of Hanoi.
Hanoi Opera House has three main areas: The main lobby, mirror room and auditorium. First, the main lobby is the first place to welcome guests into the theater. It was paved by high quality stone imported from Italy, organized and layout meticulously that making the floor like the red carpet in the ceremony or major event. On the wall is a system of small chandeliers following antique copper or plated with gold according to new style. Therefore, the main lobby looks very luxurious and noble. Next, the mirror room often holds important ceremonies, and welcomes frequently high officials of the Party and State, and the head of State. This is also the venue for the signing of important documents of the Government. In addition, it is a place for performing art shows, and conducting press conferences and small meetings. Finally, auditorium is a large stage. The floor is paved with advanced tiles and fire protection carpet, seats are designed in 19th-century French style, surrounded by a wall of brass lamps following classic style. Behind the auditorium are administration rooms, 18 costume suites, 2 theater rooms, 1 meeting room and 1 library. The tourists can visit and buy souvenirs at galleries.
Nowadays, theatre is still active and it is a cultural center to perform art shows, dance performances and concerts from national to international level by many famous singers and artists in Vietnam and around the world.
Visit Hanoi Opera House not only gives you the compelling and interesting performances, but also makes you admire it because of the beautiful and luxurious architecture, a combination of modern and classic style. This is also the place to witness the first contacts between Vietnam and Western culture and art, especially the auditorium songs, musicals, opera. Therefore, Hanoi Opera House has a great value in terms of history, architecture and the use value. It is evidence of the development of history and social culture of Hanoi and Vietnam under French colonization, is a relic of a period of architectural development in Vietnam between late 19th century and early 20th century. Hanoi Opera House and Theatre Square was the scene of great historical events associated with the August Revolution and the early years of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
