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The prestigious travel magazine Time Out has officially included the Hanoi Opera House in its list of Asia's most spectacular architectural works. This news not only delighted heritage enthusiasts but also piqued the curiosity of many tourists. However, with only six days left, this century-old cultural icon will officially close for two years for a large-scale restoration project.
Hanoi is often described as an open-air architectural museum with many classical buildings. However, the Hanoi Opera House still stands tall as an unparalleled masterpiece. Begun in 1901 and inaugurated in 1911, this building is a deliberate and sophisticated imitation of the Opera Garnier in Paris. Its colossal columns, proud Gothic domes, and neoclassical lines have transformed it into a "jewel" of the city, an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to experience the soul of the capital.
Hanoi Opera House – a "precious gem" recently honored by Time Out magazine as one of Asia's most spectacular architectural works.
Currently, there is only one week left for visitors to explore this luxurious space in the heart of the capital. This means that if you miss this "golden week" opportunity, you will have to wait until 2028 to once again admire the magnificent main halls or the mirrored rooms tiled with imported Italian stone.
The allure of the Hanoi Opera House lies not only in its imposing appearance on the August Revolution Square, but also in its immeasurable cultural and historical value. Spanning an area of 26,000 square meters and reaching a peak of 24 meters, the building has witnessed great turning points in the nation's history, from the historic rally on August 17, 1945, to the first session of the First National Assembly, where the first Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was adopted in 1946. Stepping up the solemn steps into the main hall under the dazzling crystal chandeliers, each visitor feels as if they are reliving the heroic moments of national history, sensing the breath of time frozen in every towering Corinthian stone slab.
The theater's main hall welcomes visitors with a magnificent system of crystal chandeliers and a stately stone staircase.
To express gratitude to the public before its temporary departure, the Grand Theatre is launching the exhibition "115 Years of the Theatre Telling Stories" – an art project considered the most complete and visually stunning version to date. Unlike traditional tours, this exhibition utilizes modern projection technology, combining 3D sound and lighting to transform the ancient walls into vivid films. Viewers will be transported back to the early 20th century to witness the laying of the first bricks, the ups and downs, and the powerful resurgence of Vietnamese theatrical art. This is a perfect combination of heritage and technology, offering a more intuitive and emotionally rich experience than ever before.
The "115 Years of Storytelling at the Theatre" experience recounts the tumultuous history of Asia's most spectacular architectural masterpiece in a completely new way.
In the days leading up to its closure, the number of visitors to the Grand Opera House surged dramatically. According to reports, 90-minute guided tours, including live performances on stage, are in high demand. The 900-seat auditorium with its perfect acoustic design is now the final, emotionally charged stop on visitors' journeys. The blend of European architectural style and Vietnamese artistic spirit over decades has created a unique cultural space that is both aristocratic and elegant, yet incredibly familiar to the people of Hanoi for generations.
Many tourists took advantage of the last days of January 2026 to visit the Grand Theatre.
There's just over a week left to experience the most "original" version of the Hanoi Opera House before it dons its new look after restoration. If you're in Hanoi or planning a visit to the capital, this is the perfect opportunity not to be missed. Spend 90 minutes listening to the stories told by stone and light, to fully appreciate why the world bows before the beauty of this structure.
Information for tourists:
- There are four time slots for the experience each day: 10 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM, and 8 PM.
- Ticket prices: 480,000 VND/ticket (daytime) and 600,000 VND/ticket (evening).
