Nestled within the Imperial City of Hue, Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience, delving into the history and architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty while enjoying unforgettable performances of court music.
Nestled within the Imperial City of Hue, Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience, delving into the history and architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty while enjoying unforgettable performances of court music.
Stepping into the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater is like stepping into a bygone era, a captivating and enigmatic space. Built around 1826 under the reign of King Minh Mang, it served as an exclusive venue for kings, royal family members, high-ranking officials, and foreign guests to enjoy court theater performances. Despite the vicissitudes of time, the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater has retained its original architectural integrity, standing as a testament to the artistry and finesse of the Nguyen dynasty’s artisans.
Young people learn about the history of the theater.
Musical instruments on display at the theater's booth.
The Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater is built on a sprawling 11,740m2 campus (including gardens and a theater with an area of 1,182m2 ) and designed in the traditional stilt-house style. The theater has two floors. The first floor is reserved for the king, the royal family, and high-ranking officials to enjoy classical Vietnamese opera (Tuong). This area is luxuriously decorated with rows of gleaming ebony chairs intricately carved with fine patterns. Above, the ceiling is adorned with paintings depicting the Four Seasons and the Four Sacred Creatures, showcasing the power and prestige of the Nguyen Dynasty. The second floor is where the palace maids and eunuchs would watch from. This level features a spacious and airy area, allowing visitors to have a panoramic view of the stage.
Throughout its nearly 200-year history, the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater has faced the daunting challenges of time and war. It has endured severe damages, necessitating numerous restorations and repairs to preserve its precious historical and cultural value. The period from 1995 to 2002 marked a pivotal phase in the restoration efforts. With the dedication of archaeologists, architects, and artisans, the theater was meticulously restored, preserving its original architectural splendor and regaining its former magnificence.
Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater has a total area of 11,740m2 . The theater building has a construction area of 1,182m2.
In March 2003, the theater officially reopened its doors for regular performances under the management of the Hue Imperial City Court Music and Dance Theater. The restoration of the theater has not only contributed to the preservation of a cherished cultural heritage but has also established a unique cultural and artistic space, attracting a multitude of visitors to experience its timeless charm./.
The Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater presents two daily performances of court music, dances, and theater:
• Show 1: 10am – 10:35am
• Show 2: 3pm – 3:35pm Ticket price: 200,000 dong (approximately 7.86 US dollars)/person
The Vietnam Records Organization (VIETKINGS) - TOP Vietnam Center (TOPPLUS) has recognized the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater as one of the top 5 long-standing theaters and stages in Vietnam, attracting a significant number of visitors.
By Thanh Giang/VNP Translated by Hong Hanh