Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Opera House, also known as the Saigon Municipal Theater, is one of the most worth-visiting attractions in the city. Together with the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House is considered a typical example of French Colonial architecture in Vietnam.
About Saigon Opera House
7 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening hours and Entrance fee
There is no actual opening time or entrance fee for Saigon Opera House, as it is only opened when performances or events are taking place. All you need to do is buy a ticket for any show you prefer. The price could vary depending on the type of show, the seat, and the time you buy it.
Dress code of the Saigon Opera House
People who go to the opera house often dress up, especially on special occasions, but you can also wear your smart casual clothes.
How to get to the Saigon Opera House
Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Opera House is more than 1 km from Ben Thanh Market. It would take you about 10 minutes to get there on foot.
History of Saigon Opera House
Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 and first inaugurated in 1900 to become an entertainment center for the elite. However, the Saigon Opera House gradually lost its customers due to the appearance of nightclubs, music bars, and dance halls. In 1944, the opera house was bombarded by Allies’ planes, causing severe damage and leading to its shutdown. In 1955, the opera house was renovated and used as the Republic of Vietnam’s Congress House (later called the House of Representatives).
After 1975, Saigon Opera House was restored to its original function, which was performing arts. In 1998, the city authority provided an extensive renovation to preserve the original French architectural style of the opera house.
Structure of Saigon Opera House
The architecture of the Saigon Opera House is unique. It was designed by a group of French architects, including Félix Olivier, Eugène Ferret, and Ernest Guichard, in the Gothic style, which was prevalent in France in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of the outstanding architectural features of this opera house is the sculpture, which can be seen on both the exterior and interior of the building. A famous French artist designed all the inscriptions, sculptures, and furnishings in the late 19th century, following the model of many opera houses in France.
The Saigon Opera House’s style generally follows the flamboyant style of the French 3rd Republic. Anyone who has been to France can easily recognize that the architecture of the facade of this opera house is greatly influenced by the style of Petit Palais, an art museum built in France in the same year as the Saigon Opera House.
Inside, the opera house has a central seating area on the orchestra level and two levels of seating above. This house can accommodate around 1,800 people. Saigon Opera House is also equipped with modern electrical equipment, lighting, and sound systems.
In 2008, the Lyon City (France) authority provided financial aid to Saigon Opera House to install the light system. At night, you can see the opera house lit up with colorful lights, attracting young people to hang out, take photos, and enjoy the boba milk tea.
There used to be a small park with fountains in front of the Saigon Opera House, but since the Ho Chi Minh City Metro project started in 2008, this green park has been removed, fenced, and covered by large panels. The city authority will rebuild or relocate Lam Son Park after the metro project is completed.
Performance and Tickets at Saigon Opera House
Besides orchestra concerts, the opera house often hosts many other performing arts, from contemporary dance and ballet to traditional folk music shows. Some current popular shows at Saigon Opera House include A O Show, Teh Dar, and The Mist. The information on performances and events at Saigon Opera House can be found on the website Lune Production and Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera or at the box office next to the opera house, which is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. To buy a ticket, you can book at the websites above or go directly to their box office.
Summary of Saigon Opera House
Saigon Opera House, which owns specific characteristics of French Colonial architecture while performing culture-related shows, is a great combination of history and culture in Ho Chi Minh City.