Photographer Andy Soloman, 65, took a picture in 1992 of the mall when it was still under construction. Photo by Andy Soloman

News about the building’s proposed demolition have been met with various opinions, with some saying its demolition will create new space around Hoan Kiem Lake and others protesting saying it is a symbol of an historical era.

Soloman exhibited his picture at the “Hanoi-A Time to Remember” exhibition last October.