Hanoi Opera House opens for tourists

Visitors to the Hanoi Opera House will tour its facilities, hear about its history and architecture, and see a live performance.  The 2,600sq.m theatre was designed by two French architects named Harlay and Broyer and constructed between 1901 and1911. It’s a phenomenal piece of neo-classical French architecture with pillars, shuttered windows, balconies, a mirrored room, and Gothic detailing on its doors and domes.

Tourists will get a close look at the lobby, the main performance hall, and the mirrored room. The lobby welcomes visitors with beautiful Italian marble. The performance hall has a large stage and many small viewing boxes on the mezzanine. At the back of the Opera House are 18 dressing rooms, 2 warm-up rooms, a library, and a meeting room. 

Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director of the Travel Department of the National Administration of Tourism, said “We wanted to create a package tour connecting cultural and historical sites in Hanoi that will allow tourists to experience the local cuisine and lifestyle, visit museums, and watch a performance at the Opera House. All these places are in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and near Hoan Kiem Lake.”

Nguyen Hong Nguyen of the Hanoi tourist travel company said “In order to attract tourists we need to learn about their countries and their tastes. But performances should reflect the character of Hanoi.”

The National Administration of Tourism has produced publications, brochures, and souvenirs, and trained the staff of the Hanoi Opera House to receive foreign tourists.