Hanoi Opera House
Amid the flow of Hanoi’s history of 1000 years old, Hanoi Opera House proudly stands at the heart of central Hanoi as one of its most famous architectural and cultural symbol.
Location & History
A crucial part of Hanoi’s over 1000-year history, the Hanoi Opera House is undoubtedly one of the most iconic cultural and architectural monuments in Hanoi. Situated on the renowned August Revolution Square, the Hanoi Opera House is just a short distance from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, and the Vietnam History Museum. Built over a decade from 1901 to 1911 and inspired by the Palais Garnier—Paris's older opera house—the Hanoi Opera House exemplifies European architectural style from the Renaissance period, featuring an Italian-made marble floor, copper chandeliers, and exquisite French murals adorning the ceiling. This makes the venue one of Hanoi’s most distinct architectural landmarks.
Photo: Instagram @toanduonga
Performances
Originally, the theater was exclusively a stage for Western artists performing for French officials and affluent Vietnamese. Today, the Hanoi Opera House is a central hub for cultural activities in Hanoi, hosting art shows, concerts, dance performances, and various events that range from local to international significance.
The theater serves as a regular performance venue for the Vietnamese Orchestra and often features celebrated artists from around the globe. Notable performers from previous years have included violinist Hilary Hahn, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Wolfgang Glemser, and conductor Gudni Emilsson. Each year, the Hanoi Opera House proudly presents two renowned events: the Toyota Concert and the Hennessy Classical Concert, both drawing international audiences and featuring prestigious classical musicians.
Photo by @tat.14qn
In addition, a diverse array of artistic events is offered, ranging from traditional Vietnamese music to contemporary pop performances by acclaimed local artists such as My Linh, Thanh Lam, and Hong Nhung. Ticket prices vary depending on the event scale, typically ranging from 100,000 VND to 500,000 VND, with VIP seats available for up to 2 million VND, making them quite reasonable by international standards.
For updates on upcoming performances and events at the Hanoi Opera House, visit our News and Events section!
Related Guide
If you are interested in learning more about the architecture of the Opera House and the other French colonial buildings in Hanoi, we suggest the following reads:
- Discover Paris through 5 architectural works of Hanoi
- Hanoi Colonial Architecture
- The Role of French Architecture through Time in Hanoi
- Visit Hanoi's Old French Buildings in the Autumn
Useful Information
- Location: Hanoi Opera House
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: Varies
- Distance to city center: 2.5km (1.6 mi)
Co Loa Citadel
Being a cultural heritage, a testament to the creativity and technical skills of the old Vietnamese, Co Loa Citadel is definitely an ideal tourist destination that visitors cannot ignore when visiting Hanoi.
Quan Thanh Temple
Located on Thanh Nien Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Quan Thanh Temple is a Taoist temple and known as one of Hanoi’s four sacred temples which were built to worship four protectors in four directions.
Quang Ba Flower Market
Without the normal hustle and bustle of normal markets, Quang Ba Flower Market is charming in its own way.
