Saigon Opera House

Location & History

Photo by @TinNguyen

Located in the bustling center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Opera House remains a stunning example of French Colonial architecture, featuring its iconic Caryatid statues. Originally opened in 1900, this historic venue has served various purposes, primarily hosting theatrical productions and classical music concerts throughout the years.

The Saigon Opera House once functioned as the seat for the Lower House of the former South Vietnamese government. After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, its original purpose as a music theatre was revived, allowing locals and tourists to enjoy its performances once again.

Typical French Architecture

Currently, as the theatre hosts predominantly concert events, public access for tours is limited. Visitors can appreciate the exterior beauty of this architectural gem, a prime example of French Colonial design in Southeast Asia.

The building’s architecture is reminiscent of the Petit Palais in Paris, featuring façades with three archways and statues of two women designed in the style of the Greek Caryatids from the Erechtheion. Atop the structure, two angels gracefully honor the lyre guitar, further enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal.

Photo by @Jenny Jimin

Recent Renovation

To mark Saigon's 325th anniversary in 2025, the municipal government undertook significant renovations to the opera house and invited renowned architects and artists for the restoration. The updated venue now showcases modern materials, state-of-the-art sound and lighting technologies, and enhanced safety measures. Key architectural and decorative elements have been preserved, including the stone veranda, white stone statues at the entrance, colorful granite tiled floors, ornate chandeliers, bronze statues near the stairway, and intricately designed auditorium arches and wall sculptures. Surrounding the Opera House, new shopping plazas and luxury hotels create a perfect combination of culture and commerce for visitors.

Arts Performance

Photo by @Duong Nguyen The

The Saigon Opera House is home to the popular À Ố Show, which artistically showcases traditional Vietnamese lifestyles through innovative performances using bamboo tools. Attending a show inside this world-famous venue offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to appreciate not only the arts but also the building's stunning architecture.

Tips

For the best photo opportunities with the facade of the Saigon Opera House, plan your visit during the late afternoon hours (between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM), as natural lighting during this time creates an ideal backdrop for photography.

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