A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

By Quynh Tran   October 2, 2023 | 03:29 am PT
A renovation project worth VND337 billion (US$13.85 million) will see changes made to the infrastructure of the Saigon Opera House in HCMC center, making it a location to host major events.
A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

The Saigon Opera House was first constructed in 1898 and was completed after two years. The building faces Dong Khoi Street of District 1, and is one of the more notable structures from the French colonialism era.

The structure spans over 2,000 m2 and was designed by architect Félix Olivier, inspired by the Opera Garnier in Paris. The decorative patterns and construction materials were mostly ordered and transported from France.

The building will undergo maintenance and renovation according to a resolution approved by the HCMC People's Council. The maintenance is to conserve national-level architecture and to make it a place to receive international guests to the city, as well as for hosting certain events.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

The Opera House has three floors, with arches on the sides and balconies that reflect classic French architecture. There are numerous plants surrounding the structure.

The building was once used for governmental purposes of the Republic of Vietnam administration. After 1975, the building resumed its main function as a place for art performances. In 1998, HCMC renovated the building at a cost of VND25 billion.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

In the front of the Opera House lie two statues, each 4.5 m tall, in the style of Greece's Erechtheion. The two statues, along with certain other sculptures in the front, were removed when the building was being used by the Republic of Vietnam administration.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

The large arch in front of the Opera House has two angel statues and a lyre on top of it. The heads of Pan, the Greek god of rustic music, can be seen running along the arch.

A smaller arch inside the larger one depicts five gods around what resembles a temple. The words "Nha Hat Thanh Pho" (Saigon Opera House) is inscribed, replacing the original inscription from the French colonialism era, "Théatre Municipal."

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

The reliefs seen around the opera house depict images of lyres, angels and gods.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

The main entrance has three arches, with a chandelier on the roof.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

The sides of the opera house have staircases, beams and a roof full of reliefs.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

From the stage, the roof can be seen in a domed design with multiple decorative patterns.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

There are openings on the roof for ventilation, which are also decorated.

A look at Saigon Opera House before million-dollar renovation

Aerial view of the HCMC Opera House, which faces Lam Son park and Nguyen Hue walking street.

The Opera House was deemed a national-level art architecture heritage site in 2012. It is a place that frequently hosts art and cultural performances, along with other major events of the city.

 
 
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