In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the magnificent Saigon Opera House stands tall, adorned with its iconic Caryatid statues. This architectural gem perfectly exemplifies the French Colonial style and has been a prominent venue for theatrical productions and classical music concerts throughout its history.
Location & History
Photo by @TinNguyen
Originally serving as the seat of the Lower House of the former South Vietnamese government, the Saigon Opera House underwent a transformation following the North Vietnamese government’s takeover. It was restored to its original function as a music theatre, captivating audiences with its grandeur.
Typical French Architecture
Today, the Saigon Opera House is primarily used for concerts, making it inaccessible for visits. However, its external beauty is more than enough to appreciate the French Colonial architectural style in this Southeast Asian country. The building’s facade, reminiscent of the Petit Palais in Paris, features three doors adorned with statues resembling Greek Caryatids of Erechtheion. Atop the building, two angels pay homage to the Lyre guitar, adding to the allure of its exterior.
Photo by @Jenny Jimin
Recent Renovation
To commemorate the 300th birthday of Saigon, the municipal government commissioned renowned architects and artists to restore the Saigon Opera House in 1998. After an extensive renovation, the theatre now boasts state-of-the-art electric appliances, lighting and sound systems, and modern safety equipment. Many original architectural features have been preserved, including a stone veranda, white stone statues at the entrance, colorful granite tiled floors, chandeliers, bronze statues in front of the stairs, and intricately-engraved auditorium arches and wall statues. Surrounding the Opera House, visitors can explore new shopping plazas and luxurious hotels, providing the perfect opportunity to combine a trip to the Opera House with a delightful shopping tour.
Arts Performance
Photo by @Duong Nguyen The
Aside from its architectural magnificence, the Saigon Opera House is also renowned for hosting the À Ố Show, a mesmerizing performance that showcases Vietnamese lifestyles using bamboo tools. If you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the heavenly atmosphere inside this world-renowned building.
Tips
For those looking to capture the facade’s beauty in photos, the best time to visit is in the late afternoon, between 15:00 and 17:00 hours when the lighting is ideal.
Useful Information
- Location: Saigon Opera House, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: Varies
- Distance to city center: 9.5km (5.9 mi)
For more travel inspiration, check out Travel Guide. Plan your visit to the Saigon Opera House and witness the captivating allure of French Colonial architecture in the heart of Vietnam.