In pictures: Hanoi Opera House in new paint

VietNamNet Bridge – The Hanoi Opera House is being repaired and re-painted after the first restoration 20 years ago. The entire facade of the building has been painted white and yellow, a far cry from the original paint.

Located on Trang Tien Street, the Hanoi Opera House is the highlight of the capital. The construction of this work started in 1901 and was completed in 1911. Its design is similar to the Opera Garnier in Paris (France), but smaller. The work was also built with materials suited to local climatic conditions. Two French architects Broyer and Harlay designed this works.

The second restoration began in mid-July, including the re-painting of the walls and iron details. To date, the entire facade of the building has been painted white and bright yellow. However, many people, including architects, don’t like the new look.

Prof. Hoang Dao Kinh, who was in charge of the first restoration in 1996, commented: “The theatre is outstanding for its noble beauty rather than the bright paint like this. The new color affects the architectural space of this historical monument”.

He said it was regrettable that experts involved in the previous restoration were not consulted for the 2nd restoration project.

He said that the Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 and until 1996-1997 it was repaired for the first time. Although it was not yet recognized a national relic work at that time, the restoration was conducted under the guidance of Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet and the Minister of Culture and Information Nguyen Khoa Diem. Many French experts went to Vietnam to participate in the project.

He added the first restoration was performed very carefully in order to maintain the original architecture and characteristics of the work, and to keep harmony with nearby architectural works.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, director of the Hanoi Opera House, said the theater is being repaired and. the color of the facade will be painted again. The refurbishment has been permitted by the authorities.

However, the Hanoi Department of Culture as well as the Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture both said that they had not yet received the theatre’s application for the repair.

In 2011 the Hanoi Opera House was recognized as a national historical and architectural monument. According to Article 34 of the Heritage Law, the preservation, repair and restoration of national monuments must be approved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Many passersby are surprised with the new image of the Hanoi Opera House, where the National Assembly of the Vietnam Democratic Republic held its first meeting and adopted the first constitution of Vietnam in 1946.

T. Van

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