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The Opera House sits at the edge of the Old Quarter's more upscale streets.
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Hanoi Opera House
Modelled on the Palais Garnier in Paris, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the city's most striking pieces of French colonial architecture — and still a working theatre today.
1911completed
~600seats
Still activehosts regular performances
A brief history
Built by French colonial authorities and completed in 1911, the Opera House was consciously modelled on Paris's Palais Garnier, right down to details of the facade and interior. It became, and remains, a symbol of Hanoi's French colonial-era architecture, alongside buildings like the Metropole Hotel nearby.
Seeing a performance
The Opera House hosts a mix of classical music, traditional Vietnamese performances, and occasional international touring shows. If the timing works out during your visit, seeing any performance here — regardless of genre — is as much about experiencing the building itself as the show.
Visiting without a ticket
The exterior and surrounding square are worth a look even without attending a show — it's a genuinely grand building and a popular photo spot, particularly in the evening when it's lit up. Interior access without a ticketed event is limited, so check current visiting arrangements if you specifically want to see inside.