In the article Why is Vietnam the new trendy destination in 2026? ( translated: Why Vietnam becomes the "trendy" destination of 2026? ), the French edition of Vogue magazine pointed out 17 reasons, among which Hanoi is one of the most "charming" reasons for international tourists. Notably, instead of choosing familiar attractions, Vogue chose Hanoi Opera House as the representative image when referring to the capital.
Tourists worldwide are gradually becoming aware of a new symbol by West Lake
Writing about Hanoi, author Jade Simon describes the city as a space "diverse yet harmonious," where layers of past – present – future coexist side by side. It is a Hanoi that is constantly transforming, ready to unveil new symbols while retaining its cultural depth. In that spirit, Vogue has chosen the Hanoi Opera House as a milestone for the capital's future.
"Alongside the already famous Hoan Kiem Lake, in the future, visitors to Hanoi will stroll by West Lake to admire the 'music island' – where a floating opera house is expected to open in 2027," Vogue describes. The prestigious fashion magazine is particularly impressed that the project was created by the company of renowned architect Renzo Piano, with a design inspired by the light and shape of a pearl – a symbol of purity, luxury, and eternity.
Although looking towards a new Hanoi in the future, Vogue still emphasizes that the capital's value lies in the harmonious interplay between modernity and tradition. Alongside the new iconic structure, "unmissable" experiences are still fully preserved: strolling through the Old Quarter, enjoying bun cha, khuc bach sweet soup, or changing the scenery by admiring the panoramic view of Hanoi from rooftop bars.
In fact, this is not the first time the Hanoi Opera House has "caught the eye" of international media. Previously, many reputable platforms in the music and architecture fields have shown special interest in this project. Classic FM – the UK's leading classical music radio station and news site – once described the project as "the result of profound research into mathematical patterns in nature," emphasizing the subtle interplay between architecture, music, and landscape.
Meanwhile, Domus, the renowned Italian architecture magazine, called the Hanoi Opera House "a statement of the intersection between modern technology and local identity." Archilovers, the international social network for architects and designers, likened the project to "an architectural gem floating on the water," inspired by the iridescent sheen of freshwater mussel shells.
Hanoi Opera House promises to become a new symbol for the capital Hanoi
Globally, renowned opera houses such as the Sydney Opera House, La Scala, or the Royal Opera House have not only been venues for top-tier artistic performances but have also become national icons, attracting millions of visitors annually. With its unique design and prime location by West Lake, the Hanoi Opera House is expected to continue this tradition, becoming a new cultural symbol for the capital, while also contributing to introducing Vietnam to the world with a contemporary, sophisticated, and culturally rich image.
The Hanoi Opera House, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, has a total floor area of approximately 40,000 m2, nearly 6 times the size of an 11-a-side football pitch. The project includes two large auditoriums, with the opera hall seating around 1,800 people and the multi-purpose hall accommodating over 1,400, along with auxiliary spaces such as the main lobby, rehearsal rooms, and a museum.
Architect Renzo Piano - the creator of a series of iconic structures around the world
The highlight of the project is dome inspired by the image of a pearl floating on the surface of West Lake, with an ultra-thin, super-strong structure, covered with materials that create a water-reflection effect according to the light throughout the day. Upon completion, the theater will serve various types of art performances such as symphony concerts, Broadway-style music performances, classical opera and ballet, award ceremonies, Gala, large-scale entertainment shows... This will also be a space for cultural and artistic exchange and entertainment for the people of the Capital.
