VIETNAM NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Home to rich and diverse collections of historical relics and thematic exhibitions on Vietnamese culture and history, the Vietnam National Museum of History gives visitors a comprehensive view of the development of the country from the prehistoric period through the national formation period.

Location, Opening hours & Tickets

Address:

• The first building is at 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Vietnamese History from Prehistoric period to Nguyen dynasty, 1945).
• The second building is at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Vietnamese History from the mid-19th century to present).

Ticket: 

• Adults: 40,000 VND/ person
• Student from college and university: 20,000 VND/ student
• Pupil from School: 10,000 VND/ student

Free Admission: Children under 6 years old and Disabilities, according to the current regulation

Discounted Admission: 50% off for the beneficiaries of preferential policies, the elderly, disabilities, according to the current regulation

Media fee:

• Photograph fee: 30,000 VND/ camera
• Video fee: 400,000 VND/ camera

Opening hours:

Monday (Closed), Tuesday – Sunday (8.00 am to 12.00 pm, 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm)

Get directions:

History

The Vietnam National Museum of History was built in 1926 under the name Louis Finot Museum by the Ecole Française d’Extreme-Orient and finished in 1932. After being taken over by Vietnamese Government, the museum changed its official name to the National Museum of Vietnamese History and opened to the public on 3 September, 1958. The National Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution was originally the Department of Indochinese Commerce that built in 1917 under the French time. The Museum was officially opened for visitors on 6 January, 1959. After more than half a century of operation, the entire resources of the former National Museum of Vietnamese History and the National Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution have been merged into a unique museum – The Vietnam National Museum of History as of today.

This is is a place to preserve, display, and introduce Vietnamese history from prehistoric to present through a system of extremely rich and valuable documents and artifacts, including many National Treasures. Housed in a colonial French building which is a cupola-shaped edifice, the museum was designed as a combination of French and Chinese architecture. The building designed by Hebrard, an eminent French architect, and urban planner, incorporates double walls and balconies for a natural airing system and protection from sunshine.

Features & Exhibits

The National Museum of Vietnamese History is spread across two sites and houses various artifacts from Vietnam’s history. Site One is home to the prehistory of Vietnam, right up onto the reign of the Nguyen dynasty. This exhibit is over 2,000 square feet and is divided into 4 major sections:

• Section 1 covers the Stone Age (30,000 – 40,000 years) 
• Section 2 displays the time during the Tran Dynasty 
• Section 3 is about the Ho Dynasty to the August 1945 Revolution
• Section 4 has Champa stone sculptures 

The main permanent exhibition is comprised of 18 pieces from the 7th to the 20th centuries – they were selected by the Prime Minister of Vietnam as  “national treasures”. The collection includes bronze drums and Ho Chi Minh’s prison diary. The museum itself houses around 200,000 items, spanning the Neolithic age, Bronze age, Sa Hunh, Oc Eo, and Hung periods, the Nguyen dynasty, the Cham period, and northern Vietnam’s Dong Son, a culture that existed about 1000 BC-100 AD.  It was earlier used as an archaeological research institution of the French School of Asian Studies.

As one of the best National Museums in Vietnam, their exhibition system is always updated with new information and materials. At Vietnam National Museum of History, visitors will experience outstanding representations about the history and culture of Vietnam that was formed during the process of constructing and defending the country.

Other museums that you might want to visit

Vietnam National Museum of History is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about uncovering the rich heritage and cultural identity of Vietnam. Located in the heart of Hanoi, it offers a fascinating journey through time, making it an essential stop on your exploration of the city’s museums.

For discerning travelers, staying at Silk Path Hotel Hanoi or Silk Path Boutique Hanoi provides the perfect base to discover Hanoi’s treasures. Situated in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter, our hotels offer convenient access to not only the Vietnam National Museum of History but also other renowned museums and cultural landmarks across the city. Embrace the charm of Hanoi while enjoying exceptional comfort and accessibility during your stay.

Photo sources: Unsplash, Google, Flickr. All images are used for illustrative purposes only, with no commercial intent.