Hai Phong Opera House

Besides the Opera House in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong Opera House is also one of the typical architectural works of Vietnam. Located on Hoang Van Thu street, Hong Bang ward, downtown Hai Phong, the Opera House or City Theater is a destination not to be missed by tourists on their travel itineraries to the "city of red phoenix flowers". In 1904 at the beginning of the 20th century, when the number of expatriates and the French army reached thousands of people in Hai Phong, the French government chose the spacious, high market ground of An Bien ancient village, at the intersection of the Vietnamese, European and Chinese areas to build a theater to serve the spirit of the people. After 8 years of construction, in 1912, this project was completed and was named "Western Theater" and became an important cultural and political place for the French and wealthy natives. Through its great cultural, historical and architectural values, in December 2015, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized this work as a National Monument. Hai Phong Opera House was built under the direction of a French architect and materials were also transferred directly from France to Vietnam, so its architecture is similar to the prototype of the Paris theater. Accordingly, this work has Baroque style - a type of artistic architecture that first appeared in Italy, then because it was so unique, it became a prominent and popular trend throughout Europe in the late 16th to mid to 18th centuries. The first impression of visitors when coming to the City Theater in Hai Phong is the massive 2-storey architecture with a total of 100 doors and windows, and is painted in a striking yellow color against the vast blue sky. Along with that are 4 white pillars designed in the soft Corridan style, pressed against the wall to increase the wall's stability, as well as create a highlight for the building. In particular, the facade is designed with a strictly symmetrical structure in the horizontal direction, from the distance between columns, doorways to decorative motifs, creating a flawless, flawless beauty. However, the most valuable point in the exterior architecture of Hai Phong Opera House is the image of the lyre - a noble symbol of music, sculpted on the door, making anyone who visits it impossible not to stop and admire. In addition, in front of the theater is a large square with a colorful flower garden embracing an artistic fountain as white as mist and a majestic national flagpole, creating a space that is both nationalistic, modern, and luxurious with an international look. If the outside of the opera house in Hai Phong stands out with strong, straight lines, the inside captivates visitors by taking advantage of curves and domes to create rhythm and lively, eye-catching spaces. The space inside is quite large with the first floor being the lobby - a place dedicated to receiving distinguished guests, with luxurious European-style furniture and sophisticated, lavishly decorated motifs like a royal room. The 2nd floor is the main auditorium, specialized for holding important events, with 400 seats covered in luxurious - genuine - smooth red velvet and the doors are designed in an impressive Gothic dome shape. In addition, on the stage is placed a statue of the god of music - the protector of artists. The two wings on either side are the actors' rest rooms and makeup rooms, and the windows use soundproof glass, very comfortable and modern. However, the most prominent feature in the auditorium of Hai Phong Opera House is probably the ceiling, designed in a dome shape to both enhance the height of the theater and create resonance for the sound, helping people at the end to still be able to hear clearly. In particular, it is adorned with beautiful flower baskets bearing the names of famous musicians and actors in Europe such as: Betthoven, Mozard or Moliere... making viewers unable to take their eyes off. Although to this day, Hai Phong's Opera House has undergone many renovations, but only changed small details, damaged items due to age, and repainted with new colors, so the unique architectural features from when it was first built are still intact. Furthermore, at night the building is lit up like a giant night pearl, lighting up the entire night sky. Furthermore, the fountain also projects artistic water strips of all colors, extremely impressive. The City Theater is considered the center for organizing major cultural and political activities of Hai Phong such as: meetings, welcoming ceremonies or anniversaries... as well as important national holidays and Tet. At this time, people coming here can not only enjoy attractive musical performances but also participate in many extremely interesting entertainment games. Sometimes, the theater even organizes meetings with foreigners to exchange culture as well as promote Vietnamese beauty internationally. However, not only when big events take place but because it is located in the city center, even on normal days in the evening, there are many young people, the elderly and children gathering in the area in front of the door, flower bed or fountain to enjoy the cool air and confide together, creating a strangely peaceful scene. And if you come to Hai Phong during the day, and don't have the opportunity to stay in the evening to enjoy that scene, you should also stop by to take some luxurious virtual photos like the European sky, and watch the national flag flying in front of the great portrait of Uncle Ho hanging in large format at the main door, you will definitely feel the excitement of patriotism. Coming to the city of red poinciana flowers without visiting Hai Phong Opera House - an architectural symbol, you will definitely regret it.

Hai Phong 79 view From May to June

Ngày cập nhật : 10/11/2025