Museums and Galleries in Hanoi
If you make the effort to visit the Ho
Chi Minh mausoleum then you should almost certainly visit the
corresponding museum which is perhaps the highlight of the city’s museum
facilities.
Ho Chi Minh Museum:
Dedicated to the country’s most revered
political leader, the Ho Chi Minh Museum is an impressive facility
offering visitors views of numerous artifacts relating to ‘Uncle Ho’s’
life. Pœetry and correspondences written by the great leader during his
time in prison are displayed across the walls as well as photographs and
manifestos from throughout his lifetime. The museum is commendable for
its modern and symbolic design, exteriors and displays.
Fine Arts Museum:
A somewhat brief history of the
country’s art is offered via the exhibits on display at Hanoi’s Fine
Arts Museum. The facility, which once served as a boarding house for
French girls, is home to various examples of drawings, sculptures and
paintings. The wood sculptures are something of a highlight with an
impressive 16th-century bodhisattva statue with 1,000 eyes and arms,
among the best examples.
Museum of History:
Previously known as the museum of the
Ecole Francaise d\'Extreme Orient until returned to Vietnamese hands in
1958, this interesting facility is home to a variety of artifacts
chronicling the history of the country as a whole.
Early historical treasures including
some from the Bronze Age can be found on the ground floor with
highlights including a collection of Ngoc Lu bronze drums. Ceramics from
the Ly and Tran dynasties, bronze bells and khanh gongs are just some
of the other many artifacts on display.
Geological Museum:
Housed in an impressive building of
French origin, the Geological Museum features a collection of geological
specimens which includes literally thousands of Mineral and rocks
extracted from formations from around the country. Fossils, ores and
gemstones are displayed in a large number of viewing cabinets which are
accompanied by brief descriptions (in English).
Museum of Ethnology:
A fascinating centre that offers the
visitor a glimpse into the backgrounds of the 54 ethnic groups currently
living in Vietnam. The museum is dedicated to helping to preserve the
cultural identities of these indigenous minorities through its displays
of traditional clothing, jewellery, tools and cooking implements. A
total of 15,000 artifacts are available for viewing as well as videos,
slides and photographs.
- Hanoi travel guide
- Vietnam tour package
- Museums and Galleries in Hanoi
