Hanoi is known for its colourful culture, mouth-watering street food and a distinctive blend of Vietnamese and French architecture that makes wandering its streets a delight. Adding to its list of must-see landmarks is the Isola della Musica – the city’s striking new floating opera house.
Located on Hanoi’s scenic West Lake, the Isola della Musica is designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano in collaboration with PTW Architects. The opera house draws inspiration from the local oyster farmers who live around the lake, harvesting freshwater oysters that produce pearls in soft shades of pink, orange and white. This influence is beautifully captured in the building’s iridescent facade, which shimmers like mother-of-pearl. Depending on the weather and light conditions, the exterior subtly shifts in colour, while the structure’s elegant curves evoke the form of an oyster shell.
Inside, the opera house features two grand auditoriums with a capacity of over 3,200 seats, alongside a museum and event spaces that will host concerts, opera and ballet performances and award ceremonies.
The Isola della Musica is set to open its doors in 2027.
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