Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Overview

A reminder of the French colonial times, Hanoi Opera House stands proudly as one of the important historical landmarks of Hanoi. Modeled after the Palais Garnier in France, the yellow facade of the building will give you massive French vibes. While this magnificent building largely hosts opera shows, you can visit the building for its aesthetics and get many beautiful pictures clicked. You will find some professional photo shoots taking place with the building's architecture as its backdrop.

Mainly a monument designed for European culture, this attraction served as a center for theatre and classical music for the French colonial officials and their wives. This historic building has organized several musical performances and also important official conferences, and it continues to do so today. It was built in 1911 by the French and mimics the Paris Opera House in its structure and interiors. The people who have visited, often allude to the fact that it is even prettier than its Parisian counterpart.

Architecture

Modelled after the Palais Garnier, the oldest opera house of Paris designed by Charles Garnier, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the most popular attractions of Hanoi. With typical Gothic and Mosaic characters reflected on the door, domes and glassed room, the building is influenced by French neo-Baroque architecture. The facade has pillars in Roman order with stone-tiled curved roofs on top and wrought iron balconies overlooking the gorgeous city of Hanoi. The interior, of 24x24 meters with 589 velvet seats, consists of a large stage and a main audience room, with many small rooms for audience on the central floor. The design overwhelms visitors with crystal chandeliers, large wall mirrors and many Corinthian columns. At the back of the Opera House is a management chamber consisting of make up rooms, voice recording rooms and meeting rooms. The theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and appliances for all kinds of performances like piano, ballets, opera, drama, folk music, international concerts and many more.

History

Started in 1901 by two designers V.Harley and Broyer, the Hanoi Opera House took 10 years to get completed finally in 1911. The theatre has seen many significant historical events of the August Revolution and Vietnam Democratic Republic. In 1946, the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam had its first meeting under the Opera House roof. In October of the same year, the constitution for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was passed here too. For the 1997 summit of La Francophonie, the building went under restoration in 1995. In the past, the theatre was known to solely host Western artists and some wealthy Vietnamese. Some popular artists who have performed here are Hilary Hahn, cellist Yo-yo Ma, pianist Wolfgang Glemser and conductor Gudni Emilsson. The building was acclaimed as a National Relic on its 100th birthday on December 9th, 2011.

Shows and Schedule at the Hanoi Opera House

The two remarkable classical concerts performed annually at the Hanoi Opera house are the Toyota Concert which usually happens during the month of August and the Hennessy Classical Concert, both of which are performances of international acclaim. Renowned classical artists perform these. Lune Production is one of the biggest and main production house that hosts regular performances at the Opera House, almost 15 times a month. The price of show tickets ranges from VND 100,000 to VND 500,00, with VIP seats costing up to VND 2,000,000.

Important Information

Research well about particular performances and book tickets for them well in advance online so you don’t miss out on a chance. “My Village” show by the Lune Production house is one of the most popular shows and performed often. Try getting tickets for those.
Check out the Hanoi Opera House show schedule here: http://hanoioperahouse.org.vn/en
If you plan to explore on your own, chances are you will end up only seeing the Opera House from outside.
There are many tour companies that offer a two-hour tour that takes you inside the Opera House, gives you detailed information about the history and gives you plenty of time to admire the interiors. Although, these could be somewhat expensive.

How To Reach Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House is located in the heart of the city, at a walking distance from the popular and peaceful Hoan Kiem lake. Most tourists visiting Vietnam will definitely end up staying in the Old Quarter of Hanoi since it's the hub of all attractions, including the Opera House.
In case your hotel is not within walking distance, you can rent a motorbike or call for a Grab bike or car, a popular alternative to Uber in South East Asia, who can take you to the Opera House. Another option is the newly introduced double-decker city bus that drops you off at Opera House Square. This is a convenient and cheap public transport option, allowing you to admire the city better.

There are various walking tours organized by tour companies or hotel and hostels which include all the major Hanoi attractions, the Opera House being one of them.