The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre, is a magnificent example of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1897, it stands as a cultural and historical landmark in the city. The Opera House hosts a variety of performances, including the renowned AO Show and The Mist, showcasing the vibrant arts and entertainment scene of the city.
Saigon Opera House history
The Saigon Opera House, or Municipal Theatre, has a rich and fascinating history. It was built in 1897 by the French architect Eugène Ferret as part of the French colonization of Vietnam. The Opera House served as a venue for European cultural events, including classical music concerts, ballet performances, and theatrical productions.
During the Vietnam War, the Opera House was briefly transformed into the National Assembly of South Vietnam. After the war, it was restored and resumed its role as a hub for artistic performances.
Highlights
The Municipal Theatre, with its stunning French architectural style, is a testament to the grandeur of the French Third Republic. Designed by architect Félix Olivier and constructed under the supervision of architects Ernest Guichard and Eugène Ferret in 1900, it resembles the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The façade of the theatre, decorated with writings and intricate designs that highlight the detailed style of the era, although some of the decorations were removed in 1943.
The Municipal Theatre, with its main seating floor and two levels of seating above, was originally designed to accommodate up to 1,800 people. However, after renovations, the capacity of the opera house has been reduced to 500 seats.
After undergoing a renovation in 1998 for the 300th anniversary of Saigon, the theatre now boasts modern amenities, including state-of-the-art electric appliances, lighting, sound systems, and safety equipment. Many original features have been preserved and restored, such as the stone veranda, white stone statues at the entrance, colourful granite tiled floors, chandeliers, bronze statues, and intricately engraved arches and wall statues in the auditorium.
Shows at the Saigon Opera House
The Saigon Opera House offers a variety of captivating shows, with one of the most popular being the A O Show. This unique performance art combines storytelling circus, live music, and the innovative use of bamboo to create a mesmerizing experience. The show explores the contrasting themes of Vietnam’s peaceful countryside and the bustling urbanization.
Audiences can witness the seamless blend of contemporary dance, acrobatics, and theatrical elements in the A O Show. Ticket prices for this enchanting spectacle range from 700,000 VND for the back rows to 1,600,000 VND for the front rows. To secure your seats, you can conveniently book tickets directly on the official website of the show producer, Luneproduction, at https://www.luneproduction.com/ao-show.
Visiting tips
When visiting the Saigon Opera House, you’ll find it conveniently located in the city center of Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re staying nearby in District 1, you may be able to reach the opera house on foot. However, if your accommodation is a bit further away, a taxi ride shouldn’t cost more than 5 USD.
To make the most of your visit, watching a show at the opera house is highly recommended. If you’re not planning to watch a show at the Saigon Opera House, it’s still worth visiting in the evening to witness the stunning beauty of the building when it’s illuminated with lights.
After admiring the opera house, you can explore the bustling Walking Street, less than 100 meters from there. It’s a vibrant area where you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, enjoy a drink, and mingle with the locals.
