The HCM City People’s Council has approved the renovation of the Saigon Opera House, an iconic city landmark.

HCM CITY — The HCM City People’s Council has approved the renovation of the Saigon Opera House, an iconic city landmark.

The plan is to preserve and turn the theatre into a reception venue to welcome international delegations, and a place for important events and festivals.

The renovation will focus on improving the main building and auditorium, and installing modern equipment to serve art performances.

It is expected to begin in 2025 and finish in 2026, and cost VNĐ337 billion (US$13.8 million).

The Saigon Opera House, built in 1898, was designed by French architects Felix Oliver, Ernest Guichard and Eugene Ferret.

The 2,000sq.m has three floors and an oval auditorium with 500 seats.

It opened in 1890 for concerts and cải lương (reformed opera) shows, but closed down for good during World War II.

It reopened in 1975 and has become a venue for hosting important city events and concerts and other performances by the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera.

It was renovated in 1998 to celebrate the 300th birthday of HCM City.

It was recognised as a national relic in 2012. — VNS