Vietnam: the Hanoi Opera House

The ancient city of Hanoi—inhabited since 3000BC—the capital of Vietnam lies on the bank of the Red River in the country’s north. In the heart of the city, at August Revolution Square near Hoan Kiem Lake, is the Hanoi Opera House.

Its construction commenced in 1901 and was completed in 1911. Designed and construction-managed by the French during the Renaissance period, it has a pitched slate roof and decorated under the eaves with a row of tessellated tiles.

Originally built for the performance of Western artists for the elite, Vietnamese performance troupes were able to rent the theatre from 1940. The National Assembly of Vietnam Democratic Republic held key meetings in its rooms in 1946 after the 1945 revolution, and it was here that the first Constitution was passed.

The government commenced restoration of the Opera House in 1995 and completed it in 1998 in time for the Summit of Francophone Countries.

http://www.hanoioperahouse.org.vn/

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