Hai Phong Opera House: The heart of the city’s arts

Contents

1. Overview of Hai Phong Opera House

Ever since its completion in 1912, Hai Phong Opera House has been an iconic landmark in the city. As one of the three theaters built during the French colonial era of Hai Phong, you can still see the influences in its architecture. Inside, the opera house features a wide facade and intricate details inspired by French romantic art, setting it apart from other theaters of its time.

Hai Phong Opera House is a significant cultural landmark (Source: Collected)

Over the decades, the city has gone through many significant changes, yet the Opera House of Hai Phong remains, serving as a backdrop to many key cultural milestones. Its grand scale and distinctive style have made it a go-to venue for performances, gatherings, social events, and festive celebrations.

2. History of Hai Phong Opera House

Hai Phong Opera House was built during a tumultuous time. Back in the early years of the 20th century, Hai Phong had a modest population of around 16,000, thousands of them being French military personnel and expatriates. The idea of an opera house was conceived as a cultural hub for this French community. 

Construction of the opera house kicked off in 1904 under the guidance of a French architect, who designed it after the theaters in Paris. The building materials were shipped directly from France. This elegant venue was the epicenter of cultural life for both the French and the city’s affluent locals, where only the elite can attend top-tier performances.

Nowadays, Hai Phong Opera House is a tourist attraction that showcases the traditions of Vietnamese people, all while keeping its French influences in architecture and decor. In 2015, it was proudly recognized as a national relic, a true stamp of approval for the amazing transformation throughout the years.

Hai Phong Opera House has stood the test of times (Source: Collected)

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3. Highlights of Hai Phong Opera House

3.1. Unique architecture

Much like any work with Baroque influences, Hai Phong Opera House is expressive, artistic, and unapologetic. Its facade invites you to a bygone era with meticulously crafted arched windows, ornate carvings, and decorative details that appear symmetrical. The interior dazzles with Gothic doorways and vaulted ceilings that are adorned with intricate murals – a homage to legendary European musicians and playwrights. Looking down, you can find a 400-seat hall lined with red seats and gold accents set against the backdrop of a wide stage and two seating floors. All the walls and windows are lined with soundproof leather to create the best acoustics for every performance.

3.2. Historical value

Hai Phong Opera House is more than just a beautiful building, it is a witness to some of the most important events in Hai Phong’s history. 80 years ago on August 23, 1945, thousands gathered at the square for a historic rally, where the Revolutionary Committee boldly abolished the Japanese puppet government and established a provisional administration. Less than a year later, under the command of platoon leader Dang Kim No, 13 brave defenders gave up their lives holding back French forces. On May 13, 1955, tens of thousands of locals converged once again at the square to welcome revolutionary troops back after the victory to regain control of the city. 

Hai Phong Opera House is a witness to history (Source: Collected)

Since then, the opera house has served as a central venue for many major celebrations, a key part of Hai Phong’s cultural identity.

3.3. Cultural and artistic center

​Hai Phong Opera House now stands as a beacon of cultural and artistic expression in the city by regularly hosting an array of performances. Its stage has been graced by a wide range of productions, including:

• The opera “Carmen”
• The Cheo play “Nhu Thuc Nhi Nu”
• The Cai Luong piece “Loi The Tren Nui Cot Co”
• The water puppet show “Ba Soi Toc Vang Cua Con Quy” 
• The legendary play “Macbeth”

Beyond these notable performances, Hai Phong Opera House also hosts concerts featuring both classical and neo-traditional Vietnamese-Western music, as well as folk genres to continue preserving and promoting Vietnam’s musical heritage. ​

Check out the best things to do in Hai Phong!

4. Tips for visiting

4.1. How to get there?

Hai Phong Opera House is located in the city center, so you can easily make your way there by motorbike, taxi, or bus. If you have a motorbike and are departing from Cat Bi Airport, get to Le Hong Phong Street and continue on for about 6 kilometers. Turn onto Dien Bien Phu Street, then Tran Hung Dao Street. Keep going for about 850 meters until you see the opera house on your right.

Read more: Hanoi to Hai Phong: Best ways to travel & things to note

4.2. What to note?

When visiting Hai Phong Opera House, please observe the following guidelines:

• Wear appropriate and respectful attire.
• Do not smoke 
• Do not bring food or drinks (except for bottled water) into the opera house 
• Do not record audio or video, taking pictures, or live-stream performances without prior consent from the management board
• Ensure your mobile devices are set to silent mode before the performance begins.
• Maintain silence during the performances

Here are some other notes to keep in mind about the opera house:

• Pets and animals are not allowed inside the premises.​
• No exchanges or refunds are available for Hai Phong Opera House tickets.
• The theater entrance will be closed 15 minutes after a performance starts.
• Some performances may not be suitable for children.

4.3. Nearby attractions

Since Hai Phong Opera House is in the city center, there are many nearby attractions for you to explore:

• The Cathedral of the Diocese of Hai Phong (approximately 450 meters away): This Gothic cathedral features a 28-meter-tall bell tower. Aside from being a place of worship for the Catholic community, this cathedral is also a great spot for photography.
• Hai Phong Railway Station (approximately 750 meters away): Established in 1902, this historic station serves as the terminus of the Hanoi – Hai Phong railway and showcases French architecture. It is revered as one of the most beautiful train stations in the country.
• Hai Phong Museum (approximately 750 meters away): Another colonial-era building, this museum offers insights into the city’s rich heritage through various exhibits.​
• Hoang Van Thu Bridge (approximately 1.3 kilometers away): This modern architectural work features a dazzling LED display every night. Spanning the Cam River, the bridge is a popular gathering spot for the locals, with scenic views of the cityscape.​

There are many attractions near the opera house (Source: Collected)

​Hai Phong Opera House is a historic witness of Hai Phong’s growth from the colonial era. Today, it continues to serve as a premier venue for diverse performances, fostering both traditional and contemporary arts. Surrounded by notable landmarks, the opera house remains a central figure in the city’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate its enduring legacy.

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