History and Art of the Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House was started in 1901 and completed in 1911, designed by two architects Harlay and Broyer. The theater has French Neoclassical architecture, with black stone tile roofs, pillars, stairs, halls, chandelier systems, and interior decorative motifs. The theater has a capacity of 600 seats, divided into three tiers: first class, second class, and third class. The theater is also equipped with modern sound, lighting, and stage equipment.
The Hanoi Opera House is not only a beautiful architectural work, but also a cultural and artistic center of the capital. The theater regularly hosts cultural activities, artistic performances, such as symphony, choir, musical, ballet, drama, reformed opera… The theater is also the birthplace and honors Vietnamese drama and stage, with famous works such as The Gun-Holding Mother, Chi Pheo, Loi vu…
In addition, the Hanoi Opera House is also a place deeply marked by history, once the place where the first National Assembly of independent Vietnam gathered and passed the 1946 Constitution, the first Constitution of Vietnam as well as the list of the government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam Resistance Union (headed by Ho Chi Minh); National Resistance Committee (Vo Nguyen Giap as chairman); National Advisory Group (Vinh Thuy as group leader).
Experience visiting the Hanoi Opera House
To visit the Hanoi Opera House, you can book tickets in advance through the website or buy tickets at the theater’s ticket counter. Ticket prices range from 100,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND depending on the class and performance program. You should choose programs that suit your interests and financial ability. You should also pay attention to your dress when going to the theater, you should dress politely and elegantly, avoid wearing too short or too wide.
In addition to enjoying the performances, you can also participate in theater tours, organized on weekday mornings from Monday to Friday. You will be guided to introduce the history, architecture, and art of the theater, as well as visit areas such as the lobby, exhibition room, makeup room, rehearsal room, stage… The tour ticket price is 400,000 VND for adults and 200,000 VND for children. You can also buy souvenirs at the theater’s shop.
The Hanoi Opera House is a place that not only gives you world-class artistic experiences, but also gives you the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Hanoi. If you have the opportunity to travel to Hanoi, you should visit the Opera House to have memorable experiences about this theater.
