Vietnam National Museum Of History: The story of a nation

by Oanh Phạm

Witnessing a Thousand Years: Vietnam National Museum of History (National Museum of Vietnamese History), located in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, preserves the rich historical journey of Vietnam. Established in 1958 on the foundation of the Louis Finot Museum built by the French earlier (1929), the museum houses a vast collection of over 200,000 artifacts, telling the story from the Neolithic period to the present day.

  • Location: No 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Collection: Over 200,000 artifacts
  • Period: From the Neolithic period to the present day
  • Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place
Vietnam national museum of history.
Vietnam national museum of history.
Vietnam national museum of history.
Vietnam national museum of history.

Timing and Price

  • Opening and Closing Hours: The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except for Mondays and Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
  • Price: The entrance fee for the museum is 150,000 VND for adults and 75,000 VND for children.

Vietnam National Museum of History: Journey Through the Flow of History

Established in 1926 by the French as the Louis Finot Museum., the Vietnam National Museum of History has become a priceless repository of over 200,000 artifacts, chronicling the nation’s remarkable journey.

The museum serves not only as a keeper of historical memories but also as a center for research, education, and dissemination of information about Vietnamese history and culture to domestic and international visitors.

With its diverse and rich exhibition system, the Vietnam National Museum of History is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the glorious past and unique identity of the Vietnamese nation.

Vietnam national museum of history.
Vietnam national museum of history.

Featured Exhibits

The Vietnam National Museum of History boasts a staggering collection of over 200,000 artifacts, offering a captivating glimpse into the nation’s rich past. Here are some of the exhibits that deserve a spot on your exploration itinerary:

Unearthing the Dong Son Culture (1000 BC – 100 AD)

Step back in time and discover the fascinating Dong Son civilization that flourished in northern Vietnam. This exhibit showcases impressive bronze drums, weapons, and everyday objects, providing insights into their artistry, social structure, and way of life.

Antiquities from ancient times
Antiquities from ancient times
Unique relics of Dong Son culture.
Unique relics of Dong Son culture.

The Legacy of the Cham Kingdom

Journey to central Vietnam and delve into the captivating world of the Cham people. Through sculptures, architectural elements, and religious artifacts, this exhibit unveils the grandeur of their once-powerful kingdom, their unique artistic expression, and their lasting influence on Vietnamese culture.

The Legacy of the Cham Kingdom
The Legacy of the Cham Kingdom
The Legacy of the Cham Kingdom
The Legacy of the Cham Kingdom

A Glimpse into the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945)

Explore the final chapter of Vietnamese imperial rule with this exhibit dedicated to the Nguyen Dynasty. Admire royal costumes, everyday objects used by the emperors, and administrative documents that paint a vivid picture of court life, political structures, and the dynasty’s impact on Vietnamese society.

Golden book of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The Golden Book of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Ancient texts that survived centuries.
Ancient texts that survived centuries.

A Tapestry of Ethnic Diversity

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. This exhibit showcases a stunning collection of textiles and costumes, each piece reflecting the unique traditions, craftsmanship, and aesthetic sensibilities of different ethnic groups.

Vietnam national museum of history.
Vietnam national museum of history.
A Glimpse into the Nguyen Dynasty.
A Glimpse into the Nguyen Dynasty.

Suggest some other famous destinations

  • Thang Long Imperial Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1000 years of history. It preserves the unique cultural and architectural values of Vietnam through the dynasties.
  • Temple of Literature and National University: The first university in Vietnam, symbolizing the nation’s tradition of learning. It houses many stone steles recording the names of Confucian doctorates from different dynasties.
  • Hoa Lo Prison::A famous prison with French colonial architecture and a history of the Vietnamese revolutionaries’ struggle
  • Tran Quoc Pagoda: The oldest pagoda in Hanoi with solemn and peaceful Buddhist architecture. It is a spiritual destination attracting many tourists and locals.
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the culture and life of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.
Decoding the Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Decoding the Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Hoa Lo Prison camp
Hoa Lo Prison camp
Oanh Phạm

Written by Oanh Phạm