Many claim historical integrity has been compromised

Residents in the capital were surprised by the facelift of the Hanoi Opera House, which has been painted in too bright and modern colour.

Architect Tran Huy Anh, a member of the Vietnam Association of Architect regretted seeing what had been done to one of the city's cultural symbols.

Bright yellow paint for the old Hanoi Opera House

Workers painting the rear of the Opera House

“It’s unacceptable to apply modern architectural standards to a bulding more than 100 years old,” he said.

Front view of the Opera House

Writer and cultural expert Nguyen Ngoc Tien said he was disappointed to see the new colour of the Opera House. The maintenance of such an important historical work should be carefully studied to foster creativity, but ensure its core values.

“Many architectural works have lost their core values after maintenance. Many scientists and architects have raised their voices in opposition to what is being done. The management agency should carefully consider such things before deciding to change the colour,” Tien said.

The new colour on the front side, old one on the right side

A worker finishing part of his job

The Hanoi Opera House close to the Hilton Hotel
 

New paint

The house’s facelift draws attention of many passers-by

An overview of the Hanoi Opera House

 

A view of the Opera House from Trang Tien Street

Nguyet said maintenance started from early July and is expected for completed in about a month.

An official from the ministry’s Department of Culture said the house’s management board is just trying the colour and work has not been finished. A final plan will be submitted to the department for approval.