The Saigon Opera House, officially known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, stands as one of the most elegant colonial landmarks in Vietnam at 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1895 and 1897 under the supervision of French architect Eugène Ferret, the building exemplifies the finest French colonial architecture of the late 19th century.
The structure’s architectural design closely resembles the Petit Palais in Paris, constructed in a flamboyant French Colonial style with distinctive Gothic features. The façade features ornate relief details, sculptures, and a prominent rose window, while the building’s entrance is topped with a sophisticated pediment decorated with a female face and musical instruments cast in concrete.
Two large windows flank the entrance, adding natural light to the interior foyer. The exterior showcases intricate stone-carved ornaments and inscriptions, with two pavilions on either side of the main building featuring large windows and balconies.
The rectangular-shaped building’s masonry walls are made of high-quality stone imported from France, with the roof constructed using solid iron frames. Decorative columns, balustrades, and cornices further enhance the building’s classical European appearance.
Inside, the 800-seat theater features a curved auditorium with three levels: orchestra, first balcony, and second balcony. The interior design incorporates both French and Italian influences, with crystal chandeliers, gilded moldings, and marble floors throughout.
The ceiling features elaborate paintings and decorative motifs, while the walls display intricate stucco work and classical-style sculptures. The theater underwent significant renovations throughout its history. During World War II, the building suffered damage and fell into disrepair.
In 1955, it briefly served as a refugee shelter before being restored to its original function as a theater. A major renovation in 1998 returned the building to its former glory, with careful attention paid to preserving its historical features while updating its technical facilities.
The acoustics of the theater are particularly remarkable, designed to provide exceptional sound quality throughout the venue. Modern lighting and sound systems have been integrated seamlessly into the historical structure, allowing for contemporary performances while maintaining the building’s original character.
The building’s ground floor features a spacious lobby with marble flooring and elegant staircases leading to the upper levels. The venue’s location in the heart of District 1 places it among other significant colonial buildings, including the Continental Hotel and the People’s Committee Building.
The surrounding area features well-maintained gardens and a small square, making it a popular spot for photography and cultural tours.
Operating Hours:
- Box Office: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily
- Performance times vary by show
- Building tours are available from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM when no rehearsals are scheduled
- Guided tours must be arranged in advance
The theater’s location near other major attractions makes it easily accessible by various transportation methods. Multiple bus lines stop nearby, and many hotels are within walking distance.
For photographers, the building is particularly photogenic during golden hour, when the setting sun illuminates the cream-colored façade, and in the evening when architectural lighting highlights its dramatic features.
Photography is generally permitted in public areas and during certain performances, though flash photography is prohibited during shows. The best exterior photography vantage points are from Lam Son Square or the adjacent Caravelle Hotel’s rooftop bar.
In addition to special performances, including classical concerts, ballet, Vietnamese traditional music, the long-running À Ố Show is usually taking place. It combines contemporary circus techniques with Vietnamese culture and is a great performance and a good opportunity to linger and photograph the interior.
