Built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene as the Opėra de Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the 800 seat building was used as the home of the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam after 1956.

It was not until 1975 that it was again used as a theatre, and restored in 1995. The inspiration for the original design came from the Opera Garnier (the Paris Opera House) and the Petit Palais (Little Palace) in Paris.

The three-story theatre is a magnificent structure that adds a great deal of charm and elegance to downtown Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Today, the Opera House is equipped with state-of-the-art electric appliances, lighting, and sound systems. It serves as a locale for traditional Vietnamese music and theatre, classical western music, school performances and graduations, and other special events.