The recent announcement from the World Travel Awards’ 10best website has revealed the “Top 10 Most Outstanding Opera Houses in the World.” Ho Guom Theatre (Hanoi), representing Vietnam, stands as the sole Vietnamese entry in this prestigious list.
The list of the world’s outstanding opera houses includes Ho Guom Theatre in Hanoi (Vietnam); Wiener Staatsoper in Vienna (Austria); Metropolitan Opera in New York (USA); Opéra de Paris in Paris (France); Teatro Alla Scala in Milan (Italy); The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow (Russia); Royal Opera House in London (UK); Teatro di San Carlo in Naples (Italy); Sydney Opera House in Sydney (Australia); and Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires (Argentina).
These ten opera houses were selected based on their iconic status, magnificent designs, and unforgettable artistic experiences they offer to the public. They serve as a testament to the enduring allure of the opera as an art form.
Ho Guom Theatre
Ho Guom Theatre, positioned at the top of the list, finds itself in esteemed company with other global giants. The international recognition from travel experts contributes to solidifying the Opera House’s standing and honors Vietnam’s contributions, particularly those of Hanoi, in the global cultural arena.
Opened in July 2023, Ho Guom Theatrecovers an impressive area of 5,000 square meters. The project, funded by the Ministry of Public Security and the Hanoi People’s Committee, is strategically located just a few hundred meters from Hoan Kiem Lake (40 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi). The building is noteworthy for its modern neoclassical architectural design, featuring six above-ground floors, three basement levels, a 900-seat main auditorium, a 500-seat small concert hall, and areas for art exhibitions and other supporting facilities.
Auditorium in Ho Guom Theater
Externally, the architectural marvel is characterized by 52 monolithic stone columns imported directly from Spain, along with blocks of glass and a vaulted roof enveloping the structure. Internally, the interior design reflects a part of Vietnam’s history through traditional motifs symbolizing Vietnamese culture, such as the sun, the crane, Dong Son bronze drums, and various ethnic musical instruments.
Ho Guom Theatre boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure system, incorporating cutting-edge global technologies in sound, lighting, and stage decoration, capable of accommodating diverse performance requirements across various art forms—from opera, symphony concerts, musical theater, and ballet, to modern music performances, seminars, and television shows.
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