One of Hanoi’s most treasured landmarks turns its past into a living spectacle, unveiling an immersive exhibition that reveals 115 years of artistry, architecture and cultural transformation.
Bathed in light, a vibrant scale model reveals the full architectural splendor of the Hanoi Opera House. Photo: Immersive Opera House
Celebrating 115 years as one of Vietnam’s most iconic cultural landmarks, the Hanoi Opera House has unveiled an immersive technology-art exhibition titled “115 Years of the Opera House Tells Its Story.”
The experience invites visitors on a multimedia journey that traces the building’s architectural, artistic and cultural legacy, transforming a historic monument into a living storyteller.
Jointly organized by Hexogon Vietnam, the Hanoi Opera House, and several partner organizations, the exhibition blends projection mapping, motion graphics and surround sound to reawaken the venue’s past. Through this fusion of heritage and innovation, the Opera House becomes more than a place to visit- it becomes a narrative space where history unfolds in vivid color and movement.
Advanced lighting technology transforms the Opera House into a luminous, fairy-tale world
At the launch event, Hexogon Vietnam Director Ngo Xuan Minh reflected on the emotional and technical ambition behind the project.
“This is an exceptionally special project for us. In just one month and 15 days from the initial proposal to today’s launch, we had to process a vast amount of material covering the architecture, history, culture and artistic heritage of a 115-year-old building. It was a major challenge for the entire team,” he shared. His words set the tone for an exhibition built not only on advanced technology but also on deep respect for cultural memory.
The public response underscores this connection. Organizers report that all official sessions in November are already fully booked clear evidence of growing interest in experiences that unite historical storytelling with digital artistry. This excitement leads naturally into the exhibition’s design, which unfolds as a seamless narrative journey through time.
The opening ceremony of “115 Years of the Opera House Tells Its Story” technology-art exhibition
Visitors move through a series of thematic zones, each illuminating a different chapter of the Opera House’s evolution. Rather than rely on traditional displays, the venue’s very walls become “storytellers,” inviting guests to feel the rhythm of history through light, sound and motion. This immersive approach bridges past and present, offering a sensory voyage into Vietnam’s cultural heartbeat.
One of the most evocative areas is the “walls of memory” section, where iconic performances once staged at the Opera House return to life. Theatre, opera and ballet- art forms that have shaped generations appear once again through dynamic visual revivals. As visitors continue their journey, another zone unfolds Hanoi’s transformation over the last 115 years, a sweeping panorama of images and light that traces the city’s changing face.
To deepen the cultural experience, the performing arts area recreates the atmosphere of classical stage traditions. Recordings of veteran artists, many of whom once graced the Opera House stage, offer personal reflections that ground the technology in genuine human stories, strengthening the emotional continuity of the exhibition.
A dazzling light show turns the legendary Hanoi Opera House into a truly magical realm
At its heart lies the main auditorium- the exhibition’s centerpiece- where layered projection mapping and 360-degree visuals converge in a grand light show. Here, the Opera House’s classical elegance is preserved yet reimagined, creating a harmonious blend of heritage architecture and contemporary visual innovation. This moment encapsulates the exhibition’s mission: honoring the past while inspiring the future.
The journey continues into the elegant Mirror Room, historically linked with diplomacy and the arts, before leading visitors to the balcony overlooking August Revolution Square, a viewpoint steeped in the city’s cultural and historical significance.
Running until December 31, the exhibition offers daily 90-minute sessions at 10 AM, 2 PM, 4PM and 8PM. Timed entry ensures a smooth flow of visitors and safeguards the unique heritage environment- an emphasis that reflects the care taken in every aspect of the experience.
The debut of the technology-art exhibition “115 Years of the Opera House Tells Its Story” draws eager audiences.
Tickets can be purchased online via official platforms and the Opera House’s fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100036646915641, or directly at the box office. Online buyers will receive a confirmation code by email, which must be exchanged for a QR code before entry.
With its powerful combination of culture, technology and storytelling, this anniversary exhibition invites both locals and travelers to rediscover the Hanoi Opera House- not only as a historic site, but as a vibrant, living part of Vietnam’s artistic soul.
| The Hanoi Opera House, one of Vietnam’s most iconic cultural landmarks, has stood at the heart of the capital for 115 years. Built between 1901 and 1911 by French architects, it was inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris, showcasing elegant neo-classical design, ornate columns and a grand façade that reflects the charm of European architecture in Southeast Asia. The building covers more than 2,600 square meters, with a main auditorium that seats around 600 guests, once the largest performance space in colonial Indochina. Throughout its history, the Hanoi Opera House has hosted countless significant events, including the first Vietnamese opera in 1960 and major national celebrations. Its main stage has welcomed world-class artists, from classical musicians to contemporary performers. Today, it remains a vibrant center for theatre, ballet, opera and cultural festivals, drawing visitors who come to admire its architecture and experience the artistic spirit of Hanoi. |
By Cam Anh
