In the early 1900s, Opera House was known for its dance, music and theatre performances and was frequented by British soldiers and officers. It was later converted into a cinema theatre and became a popular cultural hub. By the 1980s, the popularity of the Opera House started to wane and it was soon a dilapidated building.

Samsung, India’s biggest brand of smartphones and consumer electronic products, took over the building in 2016 and kicked off a major restoration work. The focus was to retain the original structure while transforming it into a millennial hub with its innovations. It was to be a gift to the people of Bengaluru, who love their city so much.

Samsung dedicated the world’s largest mobile experience centre to India by doing a traditional puja and a lamp lighting, which was attended by Mr. HC Hong, President & CEO, Samsung SouthWest Asia, Ms. Stephanie Choi, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Retail, Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics and other Samsung executives.  

Samsung Newsroom has captured the moments in pictures. Please take a look.

Samsung Opera House in its glory under the sun

Mr. HC Hong, President & CEO, Samsung SouthWest Asia, lights the lamp at Samsung Opera House launch along with other Samsung executives

Samsung Opera House showcases differentiated product experiences, built around Samsung’s philosophy of #DiscoverTomorrowToday

Mr. HC Hong addressing media and guests at the launch event

At the event, Mr. HC Hong highlighted that we have curated never seen before experiences at the Samsung Opera House that will excite people of all age groups alike

Ms. Stephanie Choi, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Retail, Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics takes the stage

The launch event was attended by media, fans and guests

Guests and media listen, how you can explore and transform the world in your own way just by using Samsung devices

A Guest experiencing Samsung Gear VR and others capturing and enjoying the moment

Lets Party! We organised a Fan Party also at the launch venue

Cheers for the Emoji Team, who won the special activity organised during the Fan Party at Samsung Opera House

Night View of Samsung Opera House

Samsung Opera House is a must-do destination for the city’s millennials

In a first of its kind in the country, Samsung Opera House will showcase differentiated product experiences, built around Samsung’s philosophy of #DiscoverTomorrowToday. These experiences revolve around transformative technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), which Samsung is pioneering globally.

Samsung Opera House will be a must-do destination for the city’s millennials looking for exciting tech-enabled experiences and entertainment. One will be able to enjoy VR experiences such as the 4D Sway Chair or the Whiplash Pulsar 4D chair that makes 360 degrees three-dimensional movements. One can slip into the role of a fighter pilot doing extreme aircraft stunts, or experience a space battle, or a roller coaster ride.

For those who enjoy the thrills of kayaking or rowing, a not-to-be-missed VR experience is awaiting them. Fitness enthusiasts can cycle through scenic Europe, racing alongside a friend.

Consumers can also pre-book the Centre’s home theatre zone for watching movies and shows with their families.

“Today’s consumers, especially millennials, seek unique experiences. They want to interact with the brand, touch, feel and create. This is what Samsung Opera House is about. We have curated never seen before experiences that will excite people of all age groups alike. Opera House will also organize workshops, activities and events, bringing together Samsung’s innovations with people’s passions. We are proud of the transformation that this place has seen,” Mr. HC Hong, President & CEO, Samsung SouthWest Asia, said.

Samsung Opera House is aimed at becoming the innovations, lifestyle, entertainment and culture hub of Bengaluru with events being organized around fitness, photography, gaming, music, movies, food, stand-up comedy, technology and startups at the sprawling plaza area, round the year.

A recent survey in the city commissioned by Samsung, showed that a majority of residents of Bengaluru (81%) said they have had at least one ‘game changer’ idea, which could transform India’s work or leisure life, but one out of three does not know of a place in the city where they can network with like-minded people and mentors, and nurture their ideas.

The largest mobile experience centre in the world has been opened in India less than two months after Samsung inaugurated the world’s largest mobile factory in Noida in July this year, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to India.

The 33,000 sq ft standalone property, which during the British era hosted plays and Operas, has been restored over two years and its facade continues to don its magnificent original look and feel. On the inside, a modern experiential space has been developed with extensive use of modern technology.

Samsung will showcase its full lineup of smartphones and wearable devices at the experience centre alongside flagship consumer electronics products such as the QLED TV, Smart TVs, The Frame, and Family Hub Refrigerators. The Home Appliance zone will have a kitchen set up where a chef will provide live cooking demonstrations using Samsung smart ovens.

Samsung will have the biggest ever display of accessories, including cases, covers and power banks, on a 24-feet wall at its largest mobile experience centre in the world. Here, consumers will be offered unique customization options for accessories such as installation of military strength skins for screen protection and 360 degree body protection. They can also get laser engraving done of any design or content on the mobile covers they choose from. There will also be a range of Harman Kardon, JBL and Samsung audio products to choose from.

Samsung Opera House will also have a fully functional customer service center and is equipped with high-speed public wi-fi.

Samsung is committed to innovating today with its technology to create a better tomorrow based on a deep understanding of what people need and want. Last year the Company spent over USD15 billion on R&D globally and is working on next-gen technologies such as IoT, AI and 5G to help improve people’s lives.

In India, Samsung has two manufacturing facilities, five R&D centres and one design centre. Samsung’s first R&D centre was set up in 1996 in Bengaluru. Today Samsung R&D Institute, Bengaluru (SRI-B) is the Company’s biggest R&D centre in the world, outside Korea. SRI-B has been contributing to global products as well as local innovations under Samsung’s ‘Make for India’ initiative.

Samsung has the largest retail and distribution network in the country with over 180,000 retail partners and 2,100 Samsung brand stores spread across the country.