The theatre in Thuy Xuan Ward is currently closed as restoration work nears completion. Minh Khiem Duong is one of Vietnam's oldest surviving theatres and the only one built within Emperor Tu Duc's tomb complex.
Before the building was dismantled for restoration, its eastern wing had five doorways, including two large openings, two smaller ones on either side and one in the centre. During the restoration, however, the two large openings were boarded up and the two outer doorways were narrowed.
The two large doorways have now been reopened and fitted with ironwood doors, while the smaller openings have been restored to their previous shape and dimensions.
The Hue Monuments Project Management Board said further changes had also been requested to restore decorative depictions of stars, the moon and the sun on the theatre's wooden ceiling, based on records from before the structure was dismantled.
Restoration of Minh Khiem Duong is now about 98 per cent complete.
Other restoration work at the Tu Duc Tomb complex is also progressing. Contractors aim to complete all construction work by the end of 2026, ahead of the original schedule.
At Hoa Khiem Palace, where Emperor Tu Duc and his empress were worshipped, restoration is about 90 per cent complete. The building's structural frame and roof have been completed, with work continuing on the floor and other details.
Work on On Khiem Palace, which was used to store the emperor's personal belongings, is more than 50 per cent complete.
The project to conserve and restore the remaining sections of Tu Duc Tomb began in April 2024 and was originally scheduled for completion in October 2027, with total investment of nearly VND 100 billion (USD 3.8 million).
The restoration drew controversy in April after several elements of Minh Khiem Duong were found to differ from the structure's condition before it was dismantled.
The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre subsequently held consultations with experts and researchers before asking the project management board and contractor to correct the discrepancies and restore the building in line with its original form.
