The Municipal Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the positive consequences of French colonisation. The luxurious colonial-style building was designed by the most famous French architects of the late 19th century. The interior decorative elements and furniture were also made by artists and decorators in France and shipped to Saigon in finished form. The construction was completed in 1897. At that time, the three-storey theatre building, a copy of the same theatre in Hanoi, could seat up to 1,800 spectators. The architectural design called for the theatre to host several events at the same time - to entertain the middle class.
All expenses for inviting French theatre companies were paid by the colonial authorities, even during World War I and World War II. At the end of World War II, Allied bombing raids destroyed the building. It was rebuilt in 1950, but not for theatre activities. The building was given to the lower house of the puppet government of the state of Vietnam, created by the French colonisers. Only in 1975, after the end of the wars and the unification of the country, the theatre was returned to its original meaning.
By then Saigon had been renamed Ho Chi Minh City, and the theatre was named the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theatre. Its facade was restored to its original decorations, and the auditorium was equipped with the latest light and sound equipment and technical innovations. The opening of the thoroughly renovated theatre was timed to coincide with a double anniversary: in 1998, the centenary of the theatre and the tricentennial of Saigon were celebrated.
Today, the theatre is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, with spectacular artificial lighting, its building looks extraordinarily elegant. The interior, with exquisite furniture and designer crystal chandeliers, creates a special theatre atmosphere.
This cultural heritage not only hosts performances of the national Vietnamese theatre Cai Luong. Famous musicians and opera stars willingly perform on the stage with excellent acoustics. And various music festivals are also organised.
