Ho Chi Minh City Theater, also known by other names such as City Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City Symphony – Music and Dance Theater, is a special architectural monument of the city. Ho Chi Minh. The theater is conveniently located in District 1, where major arts and cultural events are held and is considered an attractive tourist destination of the city.
History of Construction and Development
Ho Chi Minh City Theater was started construction in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret in Beaux-Arts architecture, an architectural style popular in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The theater was completed and inaugurated on January 1, 1900, with the original name Opéra de Saigon.
During the French colonial period, the City Opera House was the venue for performances of opera, ballet and other French art forms. After Vietnam gained independence in 1945, the theater was renamed Ho Chi Minh City Theater and became the city’s cultural and artistic center. In 1955, the City Theater was converted into the Assembly Hall of South Vietnam. After 1975, the theater was repaired and upgraded and continued to operate as an art theater.
Architecture
Ho Chi Minh City Theater was built in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, with typical features such as: massive facade with high pillars, dome, and sophisticated decorative details. In front of the theater is a large yard, with rows of green trees and a statue of the goddess of art Terpsichore.
Inside the theater, the auditorium is designed in a horseshoe shape, with a capacity of about 500 spectators. The theater’s stage is equipped with a modern sound and lighting system, meeting the needs of organizing professional art performances.
How much are City Theater tickets?
Theater ticket prices are not fixed but will depend on the performance program. There are two types of ticket prices:
- 150,000 – 900,000 VND/ticket to watch special shows
- 80,000 – 650,000 VND/ticket to watch regular shows.
You can see the performance schedule at the ticket counter or on the Theater’s website. At the end of the performance, take advantage of the opportunity to admire the most unique architecture in Saigon and take lots of cool check-in photos here!
Performing Arts Programs at Ho Chi Minh City Theater
Worthy of the name Cathedral of Arts, the City Theater is the stage for many types of performances from opera, chamber music, dance genres, musicals and more. World-famous artists also often choose this place as a tour destination. If you intend to watch a performance at the City Theater, below are some extremely worthy shows for you to consider:
Á Ồ Show
The performance uniquely combines many art genres such as acrobatics, bamboo circus, contemporary dance, theater arts and traditional music. The one-hour performance clearly depicts the contrast between the graceful, rich beauty of rural life and the footsteps of the urbanization era. You will find 60 minutes pass extremely quickly as you continuously receive waves of strong emotions. Sometimes you will keep saying “Ah”, “Oh”!
Teh Dar
This is a show that promises to bring many surprises. You will enter a world full of wild, mysterious stories of the highland people of Vietnam. Come and watch, you will enjoy daring acrobatic performances to the background of traditional instrumental music and along with beautiful Bamboo Cirque performances.
The Mist
Another very popular show has a very poetic name – The Mist. Watching the show, you will join neoclassical and modern dance artists on an adventure into the life of Southern farmers. Encapsulated in one hour, the ups and downs in life, the hardships from foggy dawn to harvest, the indomitable will and fervent dedication of the farmer will be recreated. with lively music, eye-catching lighting effects and spectacular effects. You will also fall in love with the country’s traditional costumes. The wooden clogs, ao dai, ao dai and four-piece dresses in the show appeared more beautiful than ever.
Other programs
There are many Vietnamese music shows held at the City Theater. Along with that, there are symphony nights of talented composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach… Sitting in the Theater, listening to the auditorium, you will feel like becoming an ancient nobleman with a royal life. Feel free to immerse yourself in high art.
Things to pay attention to when coming to the City Theater
- Buy tickets before arriving and arrive about 15 – 30 minutes before the performance to settle in. You can arrive earlier if you want to take check-in photos or visit the theater.
- Prepare a good camera or “flash” to take photos with the artists at the end of the show.
- Do not bring smelly food or drinks because it will affect the atmosphere and emotions of people around you.
- Dress politely and neatly, avoid offensive outfits.
Ho Chi Minh City Theater is a historical and cultural symbol of the city, hosting diverse art performances as well as important events of the city. Coming to the theater, visitors will admire the unique architecture and enjoy wonderful art performances. In addition, Ho Chi Minh City Theater also helps visitors learn more about the history and culture of the city.
Whether you like watching art shows or not, Ho Chi Minh City Theater is a historical and cultural symbol of the city, hosting diverse art performances as well as important events of the city. Coming to the theater, visitors will admire the unique architecture and enjoy wonderful art performances. In addition, Ho Chi Minh City Theater also helps visitors learn more about the history and culture of the city. a place that you should not miss during your visit to Saigon.
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