A Parisian Masterpiece in the Heart of Saigon
Officially known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this building is a stunning piece of French colonial architecture. Designed by architect Félix Olivier and completed in 1900, its style is heavily influenced by the Petit Palais in Paris, embodying the Flamboyant style of the French Third Republic. The entire facade is richly adorned with intricate stone carvings, elaborate reliefs, and statues of goddesses, many of which were restored in 1998 to return the building to its original glory. The very materials and decorative details—from balustrades to the original lighting—were largely imported directly from France.
A Stage for History and Culture
Beyond its grand exterior, the Opera House has played a unique and varied role in Vietnamese history:
Colonial Entertainment: It was initially built to entertain French colonists with classical operas and European performances.
Political Center: After 1956, during the South Vietnam government, it was repurposed for nearly 20 years as the National Assembly building, temporarily halting its artistic function.
Return to the Arts: Following the country’s reunification in 1975, it was restored to its original purpose, becoming the city’s largest and most prestigious performing arts center.
The Must-See Modern Experience
Today, the Opera House is synonymous with world-class contemporary Vietnamese performance. The best and only way to experience the magnificent interior is by purchasing a ticket to a show:
The Featured Show: The most famous resident production is the À Ố Show by Lune Production. Often called a “Vietnamese Bamboo Circus,” it is a mesmerizing blend of acrobatics, contemporary dance, and theatrical visual arts, using bamboo basket boats and other simple props to tell the story of Vietnam’s transition from peaceful rural life to bustling urbanity. It is a stunning cultural spectacle with universal appeal, accompanied by traditional folk music.
Access & Tickets: Since the building is a functioning performance venue, it is only open to the public during scheduled events and shows. Tickets for high-profile shows like the À Ố Show typically range from 700,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND (or about $30 to $75 USD) depending on seating zone, and can be purchased online in advance.
Location: The theatre is strategically located at 7 Lam Sơn Square, District 1, in the absolute center of the city, perfectly situated for a pre- or post-show dinner at one of the surrounding five-star hotels or a short stroll to the People’s Committee Building.
