Ho Chi Minh City's $55M world-class circus, arts venue close to completion

After being more than two years in the construction, the Phu Tho Circus and Multi-purpose Performance Center is nearing completion and expected to open by August end.

Located on Lu Gia Street next to Phu Tho Stadium and the former racecourse in Phu Tho Ward, the VND1.4 trillion (US$55 million) facility spans 10,000 square meters.

Once operational, it will be used for circus and puppetry performances, training, education, art events, and conferences.

The circular building will have 12 levels with 31,000 square meters of floor space.

The auditorium's ceiling is 24 meters high and will house advanced lighting systems.

The seats are fully installed.

The eighth floor will have a 300-seat practice and performance room with equipment for aerial and ground-based acts like trapeze, tightrope, aerial straps, and tumbling. Rooms for other activities will also be available there.

Stage operation systems will be housed in the sixth floor.

Hallways and staircases will have clear signage, emergency exits and fire safety systems.

The 11th floor will have a dining hall for staff, performers and athletes. Other floors will have meeting rooms, dressing rooms, backstage areas, storage areas, prop rooms, and resting areas for artists, many of which are awaiting interior work.

The rooftop will house technical equipment and also be used as a restaurant and for other services.