A Timeless Beauty: Exploring the Saigon Opera House

Saigon Opera House is a structure that bears the distinctive French architectural imprint of Ho Chi Minh City, housing performances that endure forever. With its romantic and elegant French architecture and impressive artistic performances, the Saigon Opera House promises to be an unmissable destination in Saigon. Let’s explore the architectural beauty of the Saigon Opera House and enjoy world-class artistic performances with Deluxe Group Tours.

1. A Glimpse into Saigon Opera House

1.1. History of the Saigon Opera House

In 1859, the French colonists officially occupied Saigon, and in 1863, the French brought the first troupe from the mainland to perform for French officials, officers, and soldiers in Saigon. Since there was no theater at the time, the troupe had to perform temporarily at the private residence of the Governor of Cochinchina, La Grandière.

However, these makeshift performances did not meet the growing entertainment needs of the French, so the colonial government decided to build an opera house. Due to various reasons, the construction of the Opera House did not officially commence until 1898, on a plot of land on Catinat Street (now Đong Khoi Street, District 1).

The Saigon Opera House (L’Opera de Saigon), designed by architect Félix Olivier, was officially put into operation in 1900.

In 1944, when Japan invaded Indochina, Allied forces bombed the area, causing significant damage to the Opera House, which had to cease operations.

The Saigon government didn’t repair the Opera House until 1955, altering many details in the process. In 1998, a full restoration brought the Opera House back to its original state, which it has maintained to this day.

1.2. The Role of Saigon Opera House Through the Ages

Built and put into operation in 1900, the Opera House served primarily as a municipal theater for performing arts, catering to the entertainment needs of French officials, officers, and soldiers occupying Saigon.

In 1963, when the Ngo dynasty was overthrown and the National Assembly was dissolved, this building was renamed the Nha Van Hoa (House of Culture).

When the re-establishment of the National Assembly in 1967, divided into two houses like those in Western countries (Senate and House of Representatives), the Opera House became the headquarters of the Republic of Vietnam’s House of Representatives.

By 1975, after the reunification of Vietnam, the building returned to its original function as a venue for artistic performances and was renamed the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theatre.

2. Admire Architectural Design of the Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House drew inspiration from the Opera Garnier in Paris, designed in the Flamboyant Gothic architectural style of the Third French Republic in the 19th century. It is characterized by a skillful combination of sculpture and architecture.

This theater in Ho Chi Minh City embodies a beauty derived from the fusion of ancient Greek-Roman architecture and the delicate, romantic lines of French art. Seen from a distance, the building resembles a majestic and imposing fortress gate. Despite the removal of many inscriptions, reliefs, and decorative motifs, what remains still creates a strong and lasting impression for you.

The Opera House consists of a ground floor and two upper floors, accommodating up to 1800 seats. Its highlights include bas-reliefs and statues adorning both the exterior and interior, making exploring its architecture feel like stepping into a mesmerizing world of art.

In particular, the facade of the City Opera House bears significant influence from the decorative art of the Petit Palais Museum. The most striking features that you can admire as soon as you see Saigon Opera House are two bas-reliefs of a semi-nude Muse of Art adorned at the entrance gates, designed in a Renaissance style. Although the original bas-reliefs of the Muse of Art were destroyed and restored, they still leave a lasting impression on you.

Another distinctive feature of the City Opera House is its arched windows with high balustrades, evoking the classical inspiration of French beauty. The interior decoration materials of the building are also extremely impressive, such as shiny granite combined with crystal chandeliers and materials imported from France.

Stepping inside, you’ll be even more impressed by the beautifully intricate interior space, reminiscent of a multi-hued art museum adorned with meticulously crafted decorative patterns throughout. The intricately carved vaulted ceilings and wall statues serve as precious highlights, creating a timeless beauty that defines the Opera House.

3. Enjoy A Visual and Emotional Feast of Art Performances

Not only distinguished by its stunning architecture, the Saigon Opera House is also a vibrant space for performing arts.

The City Opera House, also known as the Sanctuary of Arts, hosts a variety of performances such as opera, chamber music, dance, musicals, and more. Renowned artists worldwide also often choose this venue for their tours. No matter the performance, you will witness the staging and execution by talented artists, creating an impressive and captivating artistic space.

In particular, many music programs and shows rich in Vietnamese cultural elements are held at the Sagon Opera House, taking you back to scenes of Vietnam from the past, such as bustling boat traffic or noisy urban streets. These performances feature a sophisticated blend of traditional musical instruments, creating an experience you should not miss.

Additionally, attending symphony nights featuring the works of brilliant composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach will make you feel like an aristocrat of old, indulging in a regal lifestyle and fully immersing yourself in the pinnacle of artistic excellence.

Enjoying the artistic performances at the Saigon Opera House is truly an unforgettable experience in Ho Chi Minh City. The diverse performances are brought to life with vividness and emotion, making you feel like you’ve stepped into an enchanting art world.

To fully immerse yourself in these artistic spaces, you can check the Saigon Opera House schedule and book tickets online at the official website of the opera house (http://www.hbso.org.vn) or purchase tickets directly at the ticket counter in the basement of the opera house. If you choose to buy tickets in person, please note that the ticket counter is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

4. Essential Information for Enjoying the Saigon Opera House

4.1. Navigating to Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House is located at 07 Lam Son Square, a major road in District 1’s city center. You can get there smoothly by private vehicle or by bus. If you’re driving to the City Opera House, you can easily check the detailed directions on the shortest route from your location using Google Maps.

For a budget-friendly option, you can also consider taking one of several public buses that stop near the Saigon Opera House. Routes 3 (Ben Thanh – Thanh Loc), 19 (Ben Thanh – National University), and 45 (District 8 Bus Station – Eastern Bus Station) are all convenient choices.

These bus routes have stops near the Saigon Opera House. You can also consider other routes with stops near the area to find the most convenient schedule for your journey!

4.2. Saigon Opera House Opening Hours

The Saigon Opera House operates for approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and regular days. On weekends or holidays, the opera house is open for only 3 hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

4.3. Best Practices for Visiting the Saigon Opera House

If you want to fully appreciate the architecture and be able to watch the performances in their entirety, you should also take note of the following points:

• If you wish to watch art performances, you also notice that ticket prices for performances start at 700,000 VND per ticket, depending on the program and duration of the event.
• Because visiting the Opera House is closely tied to each music or art performance, you should arrive about 15–30 minutes before the start time to avoid arriving midway, find your seat, take photos, or explore before the program begins.
• At the end of the performance, this is when artists interact with the audience. Prepare your camera or phone for souvenir photos and any questions you may have.
• Avoid bringing food or drinks with strong odors into the opera house to maintain a pleasant environment.
• When entering the City Opera House, dress appropriately, neatly, and conservatively, avoiding attire that might offend.

5. Top Sights Near the Saigon Opera House

To make the most of your trip to explore the Saigon Opera House, you can combine your visit with nearby attractions within a day. You can refer to the highly recommended nearby locations below to create an itinerary that allows you to fully discover the beauty of Saigon while also relaxing or refer to Ho Chi Minh City Attractions for more options.

• Independence Palace

Architects built the Independence Palace with unique features, making it a place of great historical and cultural significance. Exploring the Independence Palace, you will gain deeper insights into the heroic history of the Vietnamese nation and also visualize and experience the luxurious lifestyle of the Saigon elite of the past.

Additionally, if you are interested in feng shui, the architecture of the Independence Palace will certainly satisfy your curiosity. Every line and detail in the design of the palace is meticulously and intentionally arranged, reflecting a harmonious blend of architecture and feng shui.

• Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market offers a journey deep into the life and people of this place, where you can enjoy the bustling, vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the hectic rhythm of Saigon’s residents. The diversity of goods will surprise you when strolling through the dense and colorful stalls.

Especially, Ben Thanh Market is a shopping paradise where you cannot miss the experience of buying a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. From exquisite handicrafts to modern fashion clothing, you can find it all here. The culinary world at the market is also a distinctive feature you should experience. The enticing aroma from the eateries selling Saigon’s specialties like banh mi, pho, bun cha (Vietnamese grilled pork and vermicelli), and goi cuon (spring roll) will make you want to stop by and enjoy them immediately.

• Bui Vien Walking Street

After a long day exploring Saigon, there is nothing more ideal than enjoying some wonderful relaxation moments at Bui Vien Walking Street.

If you want to enjoy a luxurious and classy atmosphere, Bui Vien Walking Street can meet your needs with stylish rooftop bars or cocktail bars. Here, you can savor unique cocktails, take in panoramic views of the city sparkling at night, and immerse yourself in vibrant music.

If you are looking for a more casual and bustling atmosphere, the sidewalk bars with affordable prices and serving draft beer, various refreshing drinks, and attractive street food are also waiting for you.

Whether you choose to chill with a cocktail at a classy bar or relax with a draft beer at a sidewalk bar, Bui Vien Walking Street will help you wipe away all your fatigue.

The Saigon Opera House stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and enduring cultural significance. Its architectural grandeur, coupled with its meaningful performances, makes it a meaningful must-visit destination for you in Ho Chi Minh City. Especially with my experience shared, I hope that you can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and significance of your trip to Saigon Opera House.