The Phu Tho Circus and Multipurpose Performance Hall (Ho Chi Minh City), costing nearly 1.4 trillion VND, has opened its doors for the first time to welcome the public to explore a modern artistic space, serving large-scale performances and events.
On the morning of April 18th, the Ho Chi Minh City Arts Center opened the Phu Tho Circus and Multipurpose Performance Hall (Phu Tho Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) to the public for free visits, aiming to introduce a modern, multipurpose art space serving large-scale performances and cultural events.
The guided tours take place from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on April 18th and 19th, and May 16th and 17th, allowing people to explore the architecture, scale, and functionality of the building. Visitors have the opportunity to directly observe the stage system, modern sound and lighting equipment, and watch the artists' rehearsals at the theater. According to the organizers, the theater welcomes approximately 300-500 visitors each day and will continue to serve them in the future.
The highlight of the Phu Tho Circus and Multipurpose Performance Hall is its main stage, with a capacity of up to 2,000 seats and a height of approximately 24 meters, creating a large and impressive performance space. Equipped with advanced and modern sound, lighting, and stage systems, the hall is capable of accommodating a diverse range of complex art forms, from circus and music and dance performances to large-scale shows, providing a vibrant and professional experience for the audience.
The main stage is designed without pillars, ensuring an unobstructed view and allowing audience members in all positions to enjoy a complete view. The multi-tiered stage system, reaching up to 12 levels, enables flexible operation and accommodates diverse staging requirements, including large-scale programs.
The theater is equipped with modern technical infrastructure, including an international-standard sound and lighting system that can be seamlessly connected with major performing arts groups. The stage floor uses a hydraulic lifting mechanism capable of handling heavy loads, ensuring safety for performances with animals weighing up to 5 tons. The seating is designed for flexibility, and can be folded away to expand the space. In addition, a modern camera system allows for high-quality live recording and broadcasting on major channels and online platforms.
From 9 am onwards, many families lined up with their young children to receive wristbands, eagerly anticipating their visit. Ms. Nguyen Le Hong Yen (Phu Nhuan ward) shared: “My family often goes to see the circus because the children love it. This is our first time here, and we find the space magnificent and modern. We will definitely come back to support them.”
The 45-minute performance showcases the training process of circus and puppeteers, along with balancing acts, roller skating, hula hooping, juggling, disc spinning, and carpet spinning. Audiences can also watch excerpts from "Memories of the Fire God - The Mysterious Land" (shown from April 25th at Gia Dinh Park Circus), Swan Lake hand puppetry, and Loan Phuong water puppetry (weekend performances at the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum), and experience, interact with, and take photos right on the water stage.
The atmosphere at the tour became even more lively as the audience got to see many trial performances and elaborately staged excerpts.
Ms. Lam Thi Bich Tram (Vuon Lai Ward) shared: “I brought my daughter to see it and was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the circus. Especially when the two-tiered stage was lowered to allow the water level to rise. I didn't think a circus stage in the city could do something like that.”
After the performance, visitors are guided on a tour of the entire facilities of the Phu Tho Circus and Multipurpose Performance Hall. Outside the complex are facilities such as restaurants, offices, artist rehearsal rooms, and animal care areas, helping viewers better understand the operational process and behind-the-scenes aspects of a performance.
Mr. Nguyen Phi Son, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Arts Center, said that the theater will develop into a multi-functional model, serving circus, music, and many other types of performances. On April 30th and May 1st, the theater is expected to offer free admission with special circus performances. In the long term, the center aims to create shows that reflect the unique character of Ho Chi Minh City, becoming a stop on tourist tours and serving both domestic and international visitors.
Inaugurated on August 19, 2025, the Phu Tho Circus and Multipurpose Performance Hall, with a total investment of nearly 1.4 trillion VND, contributes to supplementing cultural and entertainment spaces for Ho Chi Minh City. Located on Lu Gia Street, next to the Phu Tho Stadium, the building covers an area of over 10,000 m², comprising two basement levels and 12 above-ground floors, reaching a height of over 57 meters. After more than two years of construction, it has become the largest and most modern circus and multipurpose performance hall in the city today.
Source: Dan Tri Newspaper