History of Saigon Opera House

History of Saigon Opera House

The construction of Saigon Opera House was completed in 1900 by the three following French architects: Félix Olivier, Ernest Guichard, and Eugène Ferret. It was originally built to entertain French colonial soldiers. The year 1943 witnessed the removal of some of its engravings as well as statues after having faced criticism regarding the ornate decorations. After that, the building was used to serve different functions during 1955 and 1975 (i.e., as the National Assembly House of the Republic of Vietnam, House of Culture, People's Assembly), which also led to the removal of all the sculptures which had become the highlight of its façade.

It could be interpreted that the new government then in a way attempted to depoliticize the building, freeing it from being associated with the old Republic counterpart. In other words, such a decision was to render the building apolitical.

References:

VirtualSaigon"Buildings." Last modified April 13, 2021 (10 April 2022).

Do Thi Minh Han