HÀ NỘI — The Hà Nội Opera House is scheduled to open for tours from June 2017, allowing tourists to learn about Việt Nam’s history, architecture and arts. 

The move aims to enhance the attractiveness of the Hà Nội’s landmark to domestic and international visitors, which will contribute to preserving traditional arts and culture as well as developing tourism, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. 

Hà Nội Opera House will welcome visitors seven days a week, with visitors able to enjoy art performances and visit the VIP area of the theatre and the display room. Photos of renowned destination in Việt Nam will also be exhibited within the building.

Up to 20 people can visit the theatre at a time, with art performances lasting about 80 minutes.

Additionally, the Department of Performing Arts will host three art programmes staged by the Vietnamese music song and dance theatre, the Vietnamese classical drama (tuồng) Theatre, and the Vietnamese contemporary art theatre. 

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will support Hà Nội Opera House to open tours and popularise the service among travel companies and hotels. 

Built between 1901 and 1911 by the French colonial administration, the Hà Nội Opera House holds significant historical, architectural, and artistic values. 

The theatre is historical evidence of the capital’s cultural and social development in the colonial French period (1857-1945).  

One of the most opulent buildings in Ha Noi, it has also been assessed as one of the most beautiful buildings in Southeast Asia. It often houses major events, including meetings and high-class performances by domestic and international artists. 

Since September 2016, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has held a series of high-quality arts programmes at the Hà Nội Opera House. — VNS