It was built on the site of a former barracks belonging to the French army engineers.
Construction required workers to use a specific mortar mix containing honey to achieve durable wall finishes.
The floor tiles and primary decorative elements were manufactured in France and transported by ship to Haiphong.
The structure was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, albeit on a much smaller, localized scale.
It originally functioned as a community center for French colonial administrators before transitioning to a performing arts venue.
The central square surrounding the building, known as Municipal Square, is the largest public plaza in the city.
The Haiphong Opera House is a prominent French Colonial building completed in 1912, serving as a landmark of neoclassical architecture in central Haiphong. Constructed with materials imported from France, the venue features a three-story layout with a main auditorium capable of seating approximately 300 spectators. The exterior is defined by intricate Corinthian columns, a pedimented facade, and wrought-iron balconies. It is one of three remaining opera houses in Vietnam built by the French administration, alongside those in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The building serves as a venue for official city ceremonies, cultural performances, and traditional Vietnamese theater. Recent restoration efforts have preserved its original facade and internal architectural elements. It stands as the focal point of the city's main square, often surrounded by floral displays and public event infrastructure.
From the center of the Municipal Square looking toward the main facade to capture the symmetry and the entire front elevation.
Walk around the entire perimeter to view the rear architecture, which is often missed by visitors staying only at the front plaza.
Visit during the early evening when the building's facade is illuminated by floodlights.
Check local event posters near the entrance for scheduled cultural performances, as the venue is not always open to the public for interior viewing.
Do not attempt to enter through staff or administrative doors at the side; look for main performance entrance signage.
Interior access is typically restricted to scheduled performance times or special city-organized events.
Maintain a quiet demeanor; dress modestly as it is a site of local cultural and political significance.
