What Makes the “Unprecedented” Pearl Theater on West Lake So Special That Sun Group Invested Nearly $550 Million to Build It?

On the morning of October 5th, the Hanoi People’s Committee and Sun Group officially commenced construction on the Hanoi Opera House and Thematic Arts and Culture Park project. Situated on the Dam Tri Lake area of Quang An Peninsula in Tay Ho District, this ambitious endeavor spans 19.1 hectares and boasts a total investment of nearly VND 12.8 trillion. Notably, it stands as one of the few large-scale cultural and artistic projects entirely funded through socialized capital by Sun Group. The entire design, construction, and operation process will be meticulously managed and supervised by Hanoi authorities.

Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, the Hanoi Opera House promises to be a masterpiece. “Amidst the waters, this musical island will be more radiant and magical. The most wonderful thing for me is to create a space where people come together, listen to music, and share happiness,” shared Renzo Piano.

With a floor area of approximately 19,000 m² (excluding parking and technical areas), nearly six times the size of a standard football field, the opera house features two grand auditoriums. The main opera hall can accommodate nearly 2,000 seats, while the multi-purpose hall, equipped with a movable seating system, can transform into a standing-room space for live music performances and concerts, holding up to 1,400 standing attendees and 216 balcony seats.

Beyond the auditoriums, the opera house offers versatile spaces such as the Grand Foyer, Rehearsal Rooms, Museum, and Observation Deck. This venue will not only host diverse artistic performances but also serve as a cultural hub and entertainment destination for Hanoi residents.

The opera house’s most striking feature is its unparalleled dome architecture, inspired by the gentle ripples of West Lake. The ultra-thin, high-strength structure is coated with a material that mimics mother-of-pearl, reflecting the changing hues of West Lake throughout the day.

Designed to host world-class artistic programs and attract globally renowned artists, the Hanoi Opera House aspires to join the ranks of iconic cultural venues in Paris, Milan, Berlin, London, New York, and Los Angeles.

Renzo Piano dedicated years to studying Hanoi’s cultural and historical heritage before conceptualizing the opera house’s design. He infused the essence of Hanoi into the structure, incorporating the fluidity of West Lake’s waves into the dome design and integrating additional green spaces into the historically rich area.

Surrounding bodies of water, such as the Phat Linh Pagoda’s lotus pond and Thuy Su Lake, will undergo cleaning, restoration, and enhancement, including the planting of West Lake lotus. West Lake will feature eight boat docks and a water tourism route, with one dock conveniently located near the opera house for easy access by residents and visitors.

The Hanoi Opera House is slated for completion by 2027, poised to become a cultural beacon for the city and beyond.