Hai Phong Opera House (Vietnamese: Nhà hát lớn Hải Phòng) is located on Tran Hung Dao Street, Hong Bang Ward, right in the city center. This place is both a symbol of the “red poinciana flower” (nickname of Hai Phong city) and an ideal check-in destination when you have the opportunity to explore Hai Phong.
General information about the Hai Phong 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 site with flat, spacious, and elevated terrain, which had once been the ancient village of An Bien, right at the intersection of the living areas of Vietnamese, European, 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 began construction in 1904 and was completed in 1912, after 8 years. 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 troops. The Opera House was shortly afterward the scene of 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 23 November under bombardment.
By December 2015, the theater was honored with National Monument status, becoming one of Hai Phong’s most popular tourist destinations.
The impressive beauty in the architecture of the 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 became increasingly popular and spread throughout European countries from the late 16th century to the mid-18th century. Therefore, your first impression upon arriving here is the massive 2-story architecture, with more than 100 doors and windows. All doors are painted a prominent yellow. Along with that, the theater was built with 4 white pillars, inspired by the Corinthian order, both soft and sturdy, which increased the strength of the walls.
The facade of the theater is designed with a horizontally symmetrical structure, and the details are meticulously 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, featuring classic, 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, which specializes in hosting large events and has a capacity of about 400 seats; each seat is covered in 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 and makeup rooms for actors and musicians, with soundproof windows to ensure privacy and comfort. The most special thing is the ceiling design, which creates a dome shape to increase the theater’s height and produce echoes during performances.
The meticulousness of this project’s design must be noted, as each small flower basket is also inscribed with the names of famous composers and actors, such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Molière.
For more than a century, Hai Phong Opera House has undergone many renovations. However, the theater management has tried to keep it as close as possible to the original design, preserving its traditional beauty.
Above is the information about the Hai Phong Opera House that Vietdreamtravel.vn has compiled and would like to share with 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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