Hanoi Opera House is a work that has great historical and cultural significance in Vietnam. Coming to this theater, Indian tourists can admire impressive architecture and enjoy various types of art. This article will reveal useful guidance before you visit Hanoi Opera House.
History of Hanoi Opera House
Founded in 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is considered a ‘symbol’ of classical performing arts, such as chamber music, opera, ballet, and more.
Located in Hanoi downtown, the building was designed by French architects, adapting the shape of the famous Opéra Garnier Theater in Paris.
At first, the theater was a place to organize cultural and artistic events, mainly for the French. From 1940, Vietnamese people could rent the theater as a performance venue. After 1945, the theater was the meeting place of the Government and National Assembly.
In the mid-1990s, the building was restored according to the project of French-Vietnamese architect Ho Thieu Tri. In 2011, the Hanoi Opera House was ranked a national monument.
Today, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the biggest opera houses in Vietnam, which has been hosting many top-tier art shows and is also a tourist attraction in Hanoi.
Architecture of Hanoi Opera House
The architecture of the Hanoi Opera House is bold in classic French style and modern elements. With a length of 87 m, width of 30 m, height of 34 m, and area of 2,600 m2, the building is divided into three areas:
The First Floor: Front Hall
Right at the entrance is the main lobby area with a T-shaped stone staircase leading to the 2nd floor. This place is used to welcome guests, so its style emphasizes luxury and splendor. The floor is paved with white Italian stone, the red carpet is in the middle of the aisle, and the surrounding walls are decorated with small copper-plated or gold-plated chandeliers.
The Second Floor: Mirror Chamber
On the theater’s second floor is the mirror chamber. This room has plush interior furniture and many large mirrors between doors and windows.
The mirror chamber is often used to organize important ceremonies or to welcome high-ranking officials. In addition, it is also used for art programs and press conferences.
The Third Floor: Performance Hall
The main area of the Hanoi Opera House is the auditorium, which includes a large stage with three floors and 598 seats. The auditorium is elaborately decorated along with rows of grand columns following ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Its elements of light, color, and sound are meticulously equipped, creating a harmonious interior space.
Behind the stage is the practice room, makeup room, meeting room, library, and more.
Location
Hanoi Opera House is situated at the August Revolution Square in downtown Hanoi – 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Opening Time
Hanoi Opera House is open from Monday to Sunday. However, it hosts many art programs and important national events, so its opening hours can be flexible based on the notices of the management board.
For visiting tours, each Indian tourist can visit the Hanoi Opera House within 1.5 hours, between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM, from Monday to Sunday (the time can vary).
For watching performances, you should update the information on its website and book the ticket in advance.
Entrance Fee
There are two tour packages at the Hanoi Opera House:
Hanoi Opera House Tour
- Max: 20 people/visit
- Time: 70 minutes/visit
- Ticket: 120,000 VND/person (about 5 USD)
- Opening days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Hanoi Opera House Tour & Art Show
- Max: 250 people/visit
- Time: 90 minutes/visit
- Ticket: 400,000VND/person (16.5 USD)
- Opening days: Monday and Thursday
Things to Do
Admire the Unique European Architecture Right in Asia
The Hanoi Opera House is a top-tier work in Western design and architecture. Its splendor, with opulent chandeliers, sumptuous furnishings, and classic decor, will captivate Indian tourists. The formal and luxurious ambiance makes it fit for significant events. Take advantage of the chance to explore this unique architecture!
Immerse in Captivating Performances
Hanoi Opera House usually hosts concerts, art shows, dance performances, and important events, with a scale spanning from local to international.
In this theater, Indian tourists can enjoy contemporary and classic music with top-notch orchestras, conductors, and solo pianists. Furthermore, wonderful plays and ballet performances promise an exceptional artistic experience for you.
Explore Local Attractions Nearby
With its central location, Hanoi Opera House is close to many tourist attractions. From this theater, Indian visitors can easily access the Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, walking street, and more.
It would be great to visit the Hanoi Opera House and wander to other places to shop, dine, and relax.
How to Get There
Depending on the places you stay in Hanoi, you can choose one of the ways below:
- By bus: Bus numbers 02, 04, 34, 49, and 86 have routes passing by Hanoi Opera House.
- By motorbike or bicycle: If your hotel is close to the Hanoi Opera House, you can rent a motorbike or a bicycle at the hotel to get there. You can follow the main roads, from Le Thai To Street to Hang Trong, Hang Khay, and Trang Tien Streets.
- By car: there are many traditional taxis (Mailinh and Vinasun) or ride-hailing services (Grab, Gojek, and Xanh SM Taxi) for your choices.
- Book a Vietnam tour package: This service is the most convenient option for Indian tourists. The local guide will organize the program and take care of everything for a perfect trip to the Hanoi Opera House and other attractions.
Travel Tips
- Buy tickets in advance
- Dress politely when entering the Hanoi Opera House
- Do not smoke inside
- Do not bring food and gum into the theater
- Turn on your phone’s silent mode
- Do not use cameras during the show
- Keep silent during the show
- Hanoi Opera House will close within 15 minutes after the show begins, so you should arrive early.
Conclusion
Hanoi Opera House features great historical, cultural, and artistic values in Vietnam that will give Indian tourists memorable experiences when visiting. Take notes of the Hanoi Opera House on your must-visit list, and continue to explore other Hanoi attractions. Have a nice trip to Vietnam!
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