Hai Phong Opera House (Vietnamese: Nhà hát lớn Hải Phòng) is located on Tran Hung Dao Street, Hong Bang District, right in the city center. This place is both a symbol of the “red poinciana flower” (nick name of Hai Phong city) and an ideal check-in destination when you have the opportunity to explore Hai Phong.
General information about the Haiphong Opera House
In the early 20th century, when France invaded Hai Phong, it brought a large number of expatriates and soldiers to live here. Therefore, the French government chose a place with flat, spacious, and high terrain, which used to be the ancient village of An Bien, right at the intersection of the living areas of Vietnamese, Europeans and Chinese people to build a theater. This place is considered one of the places serving the most modern spiritual life of the upper class at that time.
Hai Phong Opera House started construction in 1904, after 8 years, the project was completed in 1912. Initially, this place was named “Western theater”, mainly hosting cultural and political activities of the French and wealthy natives. At that time, only famous troupes at that time were allowed to perform here.
The Hai Phong Opera House is also a historical site associated with the period of resistance against the French. On August 23, 1945 the Opera House was the first public meeting area of the Viet Minh in Hai Phong, followed by a march and occupation of key buildings not guarded by the Japanese troop. The Opera House was shortly afterwards scene one of the first conflicts of the First Indochina War. On 20 November 1946, during the first days of the French attack on Hai Phong, 39 Viet Minh soldiers and Opera staff with antique muskets, led by platoon commander Dang Kim No, fought French troops from the Opera House for three days and nights, killing 50 French soldiers before they were overcome. The Viet Minh evacuated the city on the 23 November under bombardment.
By December 2015, the theater was honored to be recognized as a National Monument, becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hai Phong.
The impressive beauty in the architecture of Hai Phong Opera House
The Opera House was built under the design and direction of a French architect. They deliberately copied the designs and materials of the Palais Garnier in Paris.
This project was designed in the Baroque style – an architectural style originating from Italy. It was then increasingly popular and became a popular trend throughout European countries from the late 16th century to the mid-18th century. Therefore, your first impression when coming here is the massive 2-storey architecture, with a total of more than 100 doors and windows. All doors are painted in prominent yellow color. Along with that, the theater was also built with 4 white pillars, inspired by the Corinthian design, both soft and sturdy, increasing the strength of the walls.
The facade of the theater is designed with a horizontal symmetrical structure, the details are meticulously and tightly arranged. From the distance between the pillars to the windows, all are decorated with unique motifs. Next, the most valuable point in the design of the Hai Phong Opera House is the image of the Lyre – the most noble symbol of music, in Western art culture.
Interior design of Hai Phong Opera House
The architect has made full use of curves and domes to create a lively, attractive, and artistic space. The first floor is the lobby, which is also the place to receive distinguished guests, using classic and luxurious European-style furniture.
The motifs used for decoration are also very sophisticated and luxurious like a room for royalty. The second floor is the main auditorium, specializing in organizing large events, with a capacity of about 400 seats, each seat is covered with luxurious red velvet.
The stage area at Hai Phong Opera House has a statue of the god of music, the guardian deity of artists.
On both sides of the stage are the resting room and makeup room areas for actors and musicians to use, with soundproof windows, ensuring privacy and comfort. The most special thing is the ceiling design, creating a dome shape to increase the height of the theater and create echoes during performances.
The meticulousness in the design of this project must be mentioned that each small flower basket is also inscribed with the names of famous composers and actors such as Beethoven, Mozart or Moliere..
For more than a century, Hai Phong Opera House has undergone many renovations. However, the theater management has tried to keep it as original as the original design, ensuring the traditional beauty.
Above is the information about Hai Phong Opera House that Vietdreamtravel.vn has compiled and wants to bring to you. Hopefully, you will have many more interesting suggestions on your trip to conquer the city of red poinciana flowers.
Source: collected by An
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