On 22/9, Nguyen Anh Tuan, the successful bidder for the Hoa Binh Theater lease, announced that his unit began repairs after taking over the property. The renovation is expected to take about half a year.

Tuan stated that the goal is to reopen the theater with a more modern approach, serving artistic performances, community events, and cultural activities. He affirmed, “We will maintain the theater's original function, not turn it into a restaurant or bar.” The estimated repair cost is about 6-7 billion VND.

Work includes: replacing damaged and rusted doors and windows; repainting all interior ceilings and walls; and tiling the lobby, hallways, and restrooms. The building will also undergo floor waterproofing, replacement of sanitary equipment, water supply and drainage pipes, and electrical systems. New ventilation, fire protection, and camera systems will be installed.

Inside the auditorium, sound and lighting systems are being invested in to support performances. Other works include: renovating partitions, reinforcing the stage floor, and repairing stairs, railings, and handrails. In front of the theater, the lessee plans to arrange a small cafe and souvenir area, separate from the auditorium. Residents and tourists can visit, sit, and experience the theater's ambiance even when there are no performances.

A representative from Lam Dong Housing Management Center stated that Hoa Binh Theater is one of the surplus land and housing facilities approved by the province for exploitation after the restructuring of such properties. The property is leased for exploitation at a price of 800 million VND per year, for a term of 10 years, with adjustments every five years. The lessee is permitted to repair and renovate the property for exploitation but must retain its main function and structural integrity.

The interior of Hoa Binh Theater is currently being renovated. *Photo: Xuan Huong*

Hoa Binh Theater is located in central Da Lat, covering an area of over 643 m2, and has been a part of the cultural life of many generations in the city. This site was once home to Cay Market, a market built with a wooden frame and corrugated iron roof from 1929. After a fire in 1931, the market was rebuilt with brick and stone in 1937. By 1960, with the completion of the new Da Lat Market, the old market area was converted into Hoa Binh Cinema, featuring its distinctive vaulted roof.

During the 1980s and 1990s, it was a popular entertainment venue in the city, with long lines of people waiting to buy movie tickets. The theater had about 800 seats. However, with the rise of new entertainment forms and modern cinema complexes, the theater gradually saw fewer patrons and operated intermittently. Since 2018, the venue stopped screening films and was primarily used for occasional exhibitions and art programs.

Despite being a tourist city, Da Lat currently has only one major cinema operating at the Lam Vien Square commercial center.

Truong Ha - Xuan Huong