VietNamNet Bridge – The Hanoi Opera House celebrated its 100th birthday on December 9. The theatre was recognized as a national relic the same day.

Construction of the Hanoi Opera House began in 1901 and was completed 10 years later. Since then, the original architectural work has helped beautify the capital city and has seen many historic events of both Hanoi and greater Vietnam.

It has also contributed considerably to the country’s international integration process by hosting many art programs and friendship meetings between Vietnamese people and their international friends.

On this occasion, the Publishing House of the Writers Association debuted a book on the theatre, which clarifies the position, role, and contributions of the theatre over the past 100 years. The book is comprised of 100 photos featuring the Hanoi Opera House.

VietNamNet Bridge would like to introduce some photos in the book:

The Hanoi Opera House is the mixture of ancient Greek architecture and the Opera Paris.
Built at the cost of two million frances, the 2,600sq.m theatre project stirred up
controversy on French newspapers at that time.





The theatre does not change after 100 years.





There was a statue in front of the theatre.





But it was removed to have space for the August Revolution Square.





The theatre can serve 870 people. It used to the theatre for opera, chamber music, drama
shows, serving French and some rich Vietnamese.





The Hanoi Opera House and a rickshaw in the early 20th century.





The Hanoi Opera House with modern vehicles in the early 21st century.





Paul Bert Street which led to the theatre.





It is now Trang Tien Street.





The Hanoi Opera House witnessed historical events which were connected to the August Revolution
 and the early years of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.






In August 1945, Hanoi people welcomed the Allied forces to lay down Japanese troops’ arms
in Trang Tien Street. The background of the photo is the Hanoi Opera House.





Liberation troops made a parade at the square in front of the theatre.






On September 17, 1945, the “Gold Week” and “Independent Fund” took place at the Hanoi Opera
House. That day Hanoians contributed gold and cash to support the war of resistance.






After the election on September 17, 1945, the first session of the first National Assembly was held at the theatre.












On November 3, 1946, the government presented itself to the National Assembly at the theatre.





On August 19, 1946, the August Revolution anniversary was
organized in Trang Tien Street.






The Hanoi Opera House in 1955.

PV