The APEC multi-purpose performance hall with a symbolically rich architectural language inspired by the legend of "The Dragon and the Fairy" will introduce a Vietnam imbued with cultural identity, affirming the aspiration to reach out to the world and the pride of a nation that is transforming strongly.
With a total floor area of 67,720m2, including 6 above-ground floors and 1 basement, the APEC Multi-purpose Theater not only surpasses most theaters in Asia with 1,500 - 2,500 seats, but is also larger than the Dolby Theatre (USA) where the Oscar awards ceremony takes place with about 3,400 seats.
The shape of the theater carries in itself a profound Eastern philosophy: the round theater block symbolizing the Sky, placed next to the square APEC Convention and Exhibition Center, symbolizing the Earth, recalling the concept of "Round Sky - Square Earth" in Asian culture.
Covering the outside is a shell inspired by the dragon scale motif, an image associated with the legend of Dragon Son and Fairy Descendants, symbolizing the sacred origin of the nation and the power of Eastern culture. The roof of the theater is supported by 50 pillars, a metaphor for 50 children following their father Lac Long Quan to the sea, and also evokes associations with the bamboo hedge of the village, a familiar image in Vietnamese cultural memory.
When entering inside, the journey of the legend continues to be told in interior language, where each space is a chapter, each experience is a layer of emotions. The 1st floor space opens up a journey like stepping into a pearl heart, a symbol of Phu Quoc, with soft curved domes surrounding the space, gentle light evoking an elegant pearl surface effect.
The 2nd floor is led by a green lawn from the outside. This area is kept in a bright, light and airy tone, with natural light and open space. All create a gentle transition, like a necessary rest before the audience enters the main space of the theater.
The auditorium is also the "heart" of the project named Lac Long Quan, opening up with an impressive and emotional space. Red and yellow tones are used as the main colors, both creating visual highlights and evoking a sense of solemnity, suitable for a large performance space.
Joining hands with Sun Group, Cirque du Soleil - the world's leading performing arts group from Canada will perform regularly, opening up the expectation of bringing international-class shows to Phu Quoc.
With a lightning-fast construction speed, the multi-purpose performance hall has now completed about 80% of the reinforced concrete structure, and has also begun to deploy the electromechanical system (MEP).
According to the plan, the entire exterior of the project will be completed in October 2026, before entering the interior completion phase, towards the overall completion milestone in early 2027, ready for APEC. The multi-purpose performance hall contributes to shaping Phu Quoc as a destination for art and world-class events.
