Dubbed as the “miniature Opéra Garnier in Paris” within the heart of the capital, Hanoi Opera House is a favored destination for numerous visitors. This edifice holds the designation of a National Historical Monument, boasting a unique architecture intertwined with significant events of the capital city.
The following article provides some information about Hanoi Opera House, hoping to aid you in your exploration of Hanoi, encouraging you to visit and experience the architectural space and complete performances at the grand theater.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hanoi Opera House.
Where is Hanoi Opera House located?
Hanoi Opera House is situated at the central location, 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, within the August Revolution Square, at the intersection of Trang Tien Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, and Ly Thai To – Le Thanh Tong Streets, close to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Vietnamese History Museum.
The history of the formation of Hanoi Opera House.
Hanoi Opera House was constructed by the French between 1901 and 1911. This is the venue for presenting extravagant classical artistic performances such as opera, chamber music, drama… catering to the aristocracy and upper class of the past.
According to historian Duong Trung Quoc, “Hanoi Opera House’s value isn’t solely architectural. More broadly, since the early 20th century, it also witnessed the first “encounters” between Vietnam and Western culture, specifically music and stage arts.”
In 1945, the August Revolution succeeded. The theater became a gathering place for the Government, the Army, artistic circles, and more; the Opera House Square also hosted numerous important historical events.
In the mid-1990s, in preparation for the 7th Summit of the Francophone Community held in Hanoi in November 1997, our country’s government decided to restore the Opera House with a budget of 156 billion VND.
In 2011, Hanoi Opera House and the August Revolution Square were recognized as national historical and architectural monuments by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. On December 9, 2011, Hanoi Opera House celebrated its 100th anniversary since its inception.
See More: Introduction to Hanoi – A Land of Thousand Years of Civilization
Transportation to Hanoi Opera House.
Hanoi Opera House is located right in the center of the capital city, so visitors can reach here using various modes of transportation such as:
- Personal vehicles: If traveling by car, motorbike, taxi, etc., visitors can refer to the route from Le Thai To Street – Hang Trong Street – Hang Khay Street – Trang Tien Street – August Revolution Square Roundabout – Hanoi Opera House.
- Public transportation: If taking the bus, visitors should catch buses with stops near Hanoi Opera House, such as routes number 02, 35A, 43, 49, 55A, and 86CT. Additionally, visitors can opt for the double-decker bus Hanoi City Tour for a unique experience. The double-decker bus departs from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, passes through the August Revolution Square, and arrives at Hanoi Opera House.
- Private car with a driver: For international visitors traveling in groups of friends or family, choosing to rent a private vehicle with a driver is a good option. Opting for a private car with a driver in Hanoi from DanangPrivateCar.com’s provides you with flexibility in transportation. Additionally, after visiting Hanoi Opera House, you can explore other places in the capital city such as the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, etc.
The main activities of the Hanoi Opera House.
Since its establishment, the Hanoi Opera House has held a role as one of the capital’s most culturally significant centers. It is a venue for frequent cultural activities and artistic performances by both Vietnamese and international artistic groups. Specifically:
- Organizing cultural and artistic activities that serve important political and social missions of the Party and the State.
- Hosting cultural, artistic, conference, seminar, and press conference events on national and international scales according to the plans of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
- Organizing high-quality cultural and artistic activities.
The Hanoi Opera House is an ideal performing venue in the capital city. From just 17 performances in the year 2000, in the early 2010s, the venue saw an average of 400 performances per year, welcoming over 140 international artistic groups.
Architecture of Hanoi Opera House.
Hanoi Opera House is constructed following the model of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, albeit with a smaller scale and utilizing materials suitable for our country’s climate.
The structure has a length of 87 meters, an average width of 30 meters, the highest point of the roof reaching 34 meters above the ground, and a construction area of around 2,600 square meters.
The layout of Hanoi Opera House is divided into three distinct sections. The first space upon entry is the main hall with a T-shaped staircase made of stone leading to the second floor.
On the second floor, the mirrored room is where important ceremonies take place, including the signing of governmental documents or the reception of high-profile figures.
The subsequent space in the opera house is the auditorium measuring 24 x 24 meters with a large stage, three tiers of seats, totaling 598 seats designed in the classical 19th-century French style.
Finally, behind the stage are 18 dressing rooms for actors, 2 rehearsal rooms, as well as offices, a library, meeting rooms, and more.
The prominent front façade of the opera house features rows of Ionic Roman columns, topped by curved roof peaks adorned with stone tiles, resembling the architectural principles of the Renaissance that are emphasized.
However, the sinuous curves of the balconies combined with the vaulted form above the entrance highlight Baroque elements. The canopy over the entrance for vehicles on both sides follows the Art Nouveau style.
Above the opera house, the intricate arrangement of the black stone-tiled roof is meticulously organized, incorporating various forms that evoke a sense of Neo-Classical French spirit. All these amalgamations create an impression of a Neo-Classical architectural masterpiece with values not only in terms of architecture but also artistic embellishment.
Hanoi Opera House Ticket Prices 2023.
Currently, Hanoi Opera House offers combined sightseeing and artistic performance tours. Visitors can choose from the following tour options:
Sightseeing Tour of Hanoi Opera House:
- Ticket Price: 120,000 VND per person;
- Tour Duration: 70 minutes per session;
- Tour Schedule: Monday to Sunday (except Fridays);
- Time Frame: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Combined Sightseeing and Artistic Performance Tour:
- Ticket Price: 400,000 VND per person;
- Tour Duration: 90 minutes per session;
- Tour Schedule: Every Monday and Thursday;
- Time Frame: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
For those interested in attending performances at Hanoi Opera House, tickets can be purchased starting from 300,000 VND per person.
The performance schedule at Hanoi Opera House is fully updated on the website: http://hanoioperahouse.org.vn/vi For those interested in performances and ticket prices, you can visit the provided website address to access the most essential information.
Some Restaurants Near Hanoi Opera House.
Located in the most prime area of the capital city, Hanoi Opera House is surrounded by countless dining spots for food enthusiasts to choose from. After your exploration, you can indulge in renowned Hanoi delicacies in the vicinity, such as Wild Duck Salad, Crab Soup with Thick Rice Noodles, Fermented Shrimp Paste with Tofu and Rice Noodles, Savory Sticky Rice, and Hai Phong Mixed Rice Paper…
Here are some excellent eateries near Hanoi Opera House that you should consider visiting:
- Vit Hai Lan – Vit Co Van Dinh: Alley 49A Tran Quoc Toan, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District.
- Bun Dau Met Nha Hat Lon: No. 1 Trang Tien Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District.
- Banh Canh Ghe 6: No. 5 Pham Su Manh Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District.
- Xoi Yen: No. 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District.
Hotels near Hanoi Opera House.
Hilton Opera Hotel.
Located approximately 50 meters from Hanoi Opera House, the Hilton Opera Hotel is a structure designed by a French architect.
With classic features such as tall columns and Mansard roofs, the modern Hilton Opera Hotel not only preserves the architectural ambiance of the square but also enhances the beauty of the opera house.
This 5-star hotel is situated in a secure area, offering remarkable amenities and experiences.
- Address: 1 Le Thanh Tong Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel.
One of the most luxurious and renowned hotels in Hanoi, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is not only a place for tourists but also hosts important conferences for heads of state.
The hotel’s unique architecture combines French colonial elements with modern touches, creating a space of elegance and prestige.
- Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel and Spa.
A lakeside hotel in the Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi, just a few minutes’ walk from the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
Alongside a spa offering various treatments, this hotel includes a restaurant and a bar/lounge area. Especially noteworthy, La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel and Spa has 8 therapy rooms, including rooms designed for couples seeking relaxation.
- Address: 33-35 Hang Dau Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Capella Hanoi Hotel.
Capella Hanoi boasts opulent architecture inspired by Hanoi Opera House. When viewed from the front, the hotel resembles a gem along the city’s most elegant and beautiful avenue.
Offering refined and luxurious services tailored for each guest, Capella Hanoi promises to provide experiences that any discerning visitor would cherish when visiting this magical land.
- Address: 11 Le Phung Hieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
These are some of the hotels located near Hanoi Opera House. However, they are relatively expensive due to their prime locations. If you wish to stay near Hanoi Opera House without breaking the bank, you can also consider hotels or guesthouses in the Hoan Kiem District with more affordable prices.
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