Ho Chi Minh City Opera House - Unique Architecture, an Artistic and Cultural Symbol

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, also known as the Saigon Opera House, is a place not only associated with the city's development history but also renowned for its exquisite, elegant beauty, rich in artistic and cultural values. Let's embark on this exciting journey of discovery!

1. Prime Location and the Birth of the Opera House

The Opera House is located at 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, right in the city center, with its front facing Dong Khoi Street and just a few minutes' walk from the Saigon River. Surrounded by hotels, shopping centers, and the bustling Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, it creates a vibrant yet refined space.

The construction of the Opera House began in 1898 and was completed in 1900 by French architect Eugène Ferret, covering a total area of 2016 m². It was built to meet the art appreciation needs of the upper class and the Saigonese during the colonial period. This building was modeled after the Opéra Garnier in Paris, featuring a Neo-classical French architecture style that is both luxurious and nostalgic.

2. Unique Architecture – The Jewel of Saigon

Looking from the outside, the Opera House exudes the splendor of an artistic palace.

Facade:

The façade of the opera house makes a strong impression with its intricate decorative patterns, symbolizing the prosperity of old Saigon. Details such as bas-reliefs and statues of Greek gods are exquisitely carved, reflecting mythical beauty and authority. Above the roof is a bas-relief of an angel, symbolizing art and purity.

Interior Space:

Entering inside, visitors will immediately feel the elegance and grandeur of the main hall, which has a seating capacity of about 468. The space is designed to high acoustic standards, ensuring sound disperses evenly without the need for microphones. The entire interior is adorned with intricate crystal chandeliers, in white and gold tones, evoking luxurious beauty. Above is a vaulted ceiling with classical frescoes. Along the sides of the hall are balconies with meticulously carved railings, creating a cozy yet sophisticated space.

Basement and Auxiliary Areas:

The Opera House also has a technical basement and modern functional rooms for artists to practice, change costumes, and spaces dedicated to art exhibitions. All are arranged logically and conveniently, providing the best support for performances.

3. Memorable Historical Milestones

Colonial Period:

Upon its inauguration, the Opera House hosted opera, theater, and classical music performances exclusively for the French upper class. With the most luxurious design in Indochina at that time, it quickly became the cultural and artistic center of Saigon.

War Period:

During the Indochina War, the Opera House was used for political events and large meetings. During the Republic of Vietnam period, it was once converted into the National Assembly headquarters but still retained most of its original architecture.

Post-1975:

After the country's reunification, the Opera House was returned to its original function as a place for performing arts. In 1998, on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of Saigon's establishment, the Opera House underwent major renovations and became a national monument.

4. Stories of the Opera House Garden

The Opera House garden has witnessed many changes over time, especially related to statues. Initially, this area had no statue, but in 1967, the Second Republic of Vietnam erected a 9-meter-high Marine Corps statue facing the National Assembly. This caused controversy as many considered it ominous for the military to point weapons at the legislative body.

In 1970, two anti-war Frenchmen, André Marcel Menras and Jean Pierre Debris, climbed the statue to wave the National Liberation Front flag and distribute leaflets. They were arrested, sentenced to prison, and exiled to Con Dao Island, and released at the end of 1972. After April 30, 1975, the Marine Corps statue was torn down.

In 1997, the City Council decided to build a fountain and a "Mother and Child" statue by artist Nguyen Quoc Thang. The statue depicts a mother and child in an affectionate posture. However, in 2005, Lao Dong newspaper questioned the copyright of this work, discovering that the statue design resembled a work by Chinese artist Duong Le Van.

5. Unique Artistic Experiences at the Opera House

The Opera House regularly hosts major art events, from symphonies, ballet, opera to cải lương, hát bội, and contemporary performances. Some notable events include:

International Symphony Art Festival
Classical ballet programs like "Swan Lake" or "The Nutcracker"
Classic "cải lương" plays (Vietnamese traditional opera): Honoring traditional Vietnamese art.
Performances by the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO).

Especially during major holidays such as Lunar New Year or National Day, the Opera House is always the center of performances combining traditional and modern arts, attracting many domestic and international visitors.

6. Conclusion

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is not only a unique architectural and artistic work but also a historical witness, associated with the ups and downs of Saigon for over 120 years. It is a place that preserves and spreads timeless cultural and artistic values. Take the time to visit and explore the Opera House, and you will not only appreciate the beauty of a Saigon icon but also feel the refined cultural rhythm of the city named after Uncle Ho.

Wishing you a delightful and memorable visit!

Visitor Notes

Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Weekends: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Visitors can explore the exterior at any time, but for interior access, check the performance schedule or register for a tour.
Dress code: If attending performances, dress appropriately to suit the formal atmosphere of the opera house.
Photography: Taking photos outside is free, but interior photography may be restricted depending on the event.

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