The main hall of Hồ Gươm Theatre that opened in Hà Nội on Sunday. VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên.

HÀ NỘI — Hồ Gươm Theatre, a modernised cultural, art and entertainment complex near the lake it is named after (Sword Lake or Returned Sword Lake), officially opened to the public on July 9. 

Its inauguration ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Minister of Public Security General Tô Lâm, Minister of National Defense General Phan Văn Giang, as well as leaders of relevant departments and agencies. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính spoke of the importance of culture, which makes a great contribution to the sustainable development of the nation.

"Hồ Gươm Theatre is of great significance, not only for the people's police comrades, for Hà Nội but also for concretising and organising the implementation of the Party's line, contributing to raising the spirit of the Communist Party and Vietnamese people,” he said. 

The PM added that the theatre is a cultural space for both modern and traditional art, connecting with historical and architectural landscapes surrounding the Sword Lake to form a cultural complex of the capital.

Hồ Gươm Theatre, located at 40-40A Hàng Bài Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, has been constructed by the Ministry of Public Security and Hà Nội People's Committee since December 2021, with the aim to turn it into an international art ecosystem, which offers a variety of modern services that meet all performance requirements for a variety of different art forms. 

The PM expected that more exchanges between domestic and international theatres would take place there to bring high-quality performances to the citizens, contributing to improving their spiritual life. It is also expected to promote Việt Nam's images and arts to international friends.

Violinist Bùi Công Duy expressed his joy when Hà Nội has a modern and well-invested cultural institution.

“Hồ Gươm Theatre is located in a prime location of the capital rich in cultural values. With advanced and modern equipment, applying the world's leading technology, the venue meets all conditions to become one of the world's leading opera houses where many major political, cultural and artistic events could take place. I believe this place will also attract world-famous art troupes and artists to perform," he told vietnamplus.vn.

Also at the ceremony, attendees had the chance to see the performances by the Sun Symphony Orchestra (SSO), the Royal Opera House of Versailles, famous Opera voice – soprano Phạm Khánh Ngọc and artists from the People's Police Music and Dance Theatre. 

Covering a total area of 5,000sq.m, Hồ Gươm Theatre can accommodate up to 1,400 guests. The centre stage system and the seats can be raised or lowered to help transform into many different types of stages. 

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (centre, front row) and delegates at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the Hồ Gươm Theatre. VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên.

It is equipped with a high-tech system, which includes an Array speaker system and a Constellation sound system - the most modern sound system in the world. 

The theatre also has a backstage area, multi-purpose space, as well as service areas that fulfil the needs of artists and guests. Other areas of the theatre serve as art exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and outdoor performance areas.

It has old European architecture but still recreates a part of the history of Việt Nam, through traditional patterns representing Vietnamese culture. VNS