Title

I. PRELUDE

The French Imprint – Saigon Opera House (1896–1920)

The architectural debut of the Opera House, introducing European design

and marking Saigon’s emergence as a modern urban center.

Like the opening movement of a symphony,

this prelude introduced European architecture and culture to colonial Saigon.

Designed in 1896 by French architect Eugène Ferret and inaugurated in 1900, the Saigon Opera House was inspired by the grandeur of the Palais Garnier in Paris.

For nearly two decades, it served the French elite with opera and classical performances, embodying Europe’s vision of modernization in Indochina.

In 1918, a Vietnamese cải lương performance was staged here for the first time — marking the moment when local cultural identity quietly stepped onto a European stage.

Composition

Non-linear historical collage

To represent each era, a tangible narrative is intentionally imposed through embroidery, weaving a thread of memoir into the diverse cultural representatives of the time.

For this era, the green-hued embroidery highlights the cement tile motifs (encaustic tiles), which were a signature of Indochinese colonial interiors.

Medium

Mixed Media of Digital collage art, vintage photography and hand-embroidery

Dimension

Wooden frame 68 x 68 cm

Artwork 60 x 60

Price

USD 850

All proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be dedicated to the Safety Star Program, initiated by GIVE Sustainable in partnership with Survival Skills Vietnam.

(click to find out more about the program)

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Other Artworks:

II. Crescendo (1920–1945)

A period of cultural momentum and civic growth, as the Opera House became an active artistic landmark within a changing city.

III. Interlude (1945–1975)

A historical pause. Though its original artistic function was suspended, the building remained a silent witness to the city’s transformation.

IV. Finale (1975–Present)

Restoration and revival, as the Opera House reclaimed its role as a cultural icon in contemporary Ho Chi Minh City.