Vietnam Museum: Discover Hanoi Through 15 Museums
In the heart of Vietnam’s vibrant capital lies a tapestry of museums that weave together the threads of history, culture, and tradition. These institutions serve as custodians of the past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of Hanoi and the nation it represents.
From the Vietnam National Museum of History to the Museum of Ethnology and beyond, each museum tells a compelling story of Vietnam’s journey through time. Join us on a captivating exploration of these cultural gems, where the past comes alive and the present gains new meaning. Welcome to the enchanting world of museums in Hanoi, where history and culture await your discovery.
Vietnam Literature Museum
As a must-see destination for Vietnamese literature enthusiasts, the Vietnam Literature Museum is known as a massive treasure, storing thousands of documents and actual artifacts related to Vietnam’s culture. literature and art of the country.
Vietnam Literature Museum is divided into three floors, each floor bears a unique characteristic of literature in each period. The first floor of the museum will take you back to ancient and medieval times, displaying artifacts and documents related to the literature of that period. The 2nd floor will focus on 20th century literature, giving you an overview of the development and diversity of Vietnamese literature during that period. On the 3rd floor, you will have the opportunity to discover famous writers during the anti-French colonial period, especially in Area V, the North and the South.
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- Address: Alley 275 u Co, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- Ticket price: Adults: 20,000 VND/person, Students: 15,000 VND/person, Students: 10,000 VND/person
- Open hours: Morning: From 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m, Afternoon: From 1:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Ho Chi Minh Museum serves as a custodian of numerous significant artifacts related to the Father of the Nation and a wealth of cultural treasures. This meticulously designed museum features a graceful and thoughtful layout, prominently showcasing the symbolic image of a white lotus, which embodies President Ho Chi Minh’s nobility and simplicity. Within the museum’s walls, visitors can explore a rich collection of essential artifacts and documents that illuminate the life and career of Uncle Ho.
A visit to this museum offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the character and contributions of President Ho Chi Minh, while also experiencing the profound significance and enduring spirit that defined his lifelong dedication to his country and its revolution.
- Address: No. 19 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m, Monday & Friday: closed
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND/person. Free admission for the following cases: Vietnamese, people with disabilities, members of the International Museum Association ICOM.
Hanoi Museum
The Hanoi Museum stands as one of the most renowned museums in the capital city, established in 1982 on Ham Long Street, boasting an extensive collection of artifacts and antiquities. Its remarkable inventory includes stoneware, bronze, and ceramics hailing from various dynasties such as Ly, Tran, Le, Nguyen, as well as Chinese and Japanese influences.
Additionally, it houses an extensive archive of documents that narrate the history and evolution of Thang Long – Hanoi. In 2010, on the occasion of Thang Long – Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary, the Hanoi Museum underwent a magnificent and modern reconstruction at a new location near the Vietnam National Convention Center.
The new building stands out with its contemporary and aesthetically pleasing architecture, set within a spacious landscape adorned with lush greenery, inviting visitors to pause, relax, and capture photographs. Presently, the Hanoi Museum has temporarily suspended visitor access to focus on ongoing construction and exhibition enhancements. It is anticipated that the museum will reopen its doors at the conclusion of 2022.
- Address: Pham Hung Street, Me Tri Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi City
- Ticket price: Free
- Open hours: 8:00 – 11:30 | 13:00 – 16:30 from Tuesday – Sunday
Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1966, serves as the repository for the invaluable cultural and artistic heritage of the diverse Vietnamese ethnic communities. The museum currently boasts an extensive collection of over 18,000 domestic artifacts, spanning the entire spectrum of Vietnamese Fine Arts, ranging from prehistoric periods to contemporary creations.
These artworks are thoughtfully curated and presented in accordance with their historical progression, genres, and materials, offering visitors a more accessible and enjoyable viewing experience.
Originally housed within a French-style building, the Museum of Fine Arts exhibits luxurious European architectural elements. Subsequently, it underwent renovations and acquired architectural features reminiscent of Vietnamese village communal houses, tailored to suit the museum’s purpose. As a result, the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts captivates tourists not only with the quality of its artifacts but also with the rich history and architecture of its premises.
In addition to its regular exhibition spaces, the museum features thematic exhibition areas, creative spaces for children, and dining facilities, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
- Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Dien Ban ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi city | 97 Hoang Cau, O Cho Dua ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND/adult, students: 20,000 VND/ children, students (6-16 years old): 10,000 VND
- Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Vietnam National Museum of Nature
Opened in 2004, Vietnam National Museum of Nature offers a comprehensive portrayal of Vietnam’s natural history spanning 3.6 billion years. Featuring an impressive collection of nearly 40,000 specimens and fossils, encompassing a wide array of animal and plant species, as well as lifelike models, this museum is an ideal destination for enthusiasts of natural sciences, particularly children.
Despite its relatively compact size, Vietnam National Museum of Nature maximizes every inch of space to impart knowledge to its visitors. The museum employs various educational tools, including informative posters, documents, and illustrative diagrams. Each exhibit is complemented by a projection screen, facilitating a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes at play in the natural world.
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- Address: House A20, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do ward, Cau Giay district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price: Free
- Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m and 1:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m. In which: Tuesday to Friday: Serving visitors registered on group tours. Saturday, Sunday: Serving retail customers.
Vietnam National Museum of History
If you have a passion for your nation’s history, then Vietnam National Museum of History is the place for you. Established in 2011 in the heart of the capital, following the merger of the Vietnam Museum of History and the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, it has become one of the most captivating tourist destinations in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Inheriting the legacy of both museums, Vietnam National Museum of History boasts an extensive collection of unique, rare, and invaluable artifacts, as well as a historical document archive that serves both visitors and researchers alike. Among these treasures, the national treasures exhibited at the two locations within the National Museum of History, arranged by chronological order, include:
- No.1 Trang Tien: History from prehistoric times to the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945
- No. 216 Tran Quang Khai: From the mid-19th century to present
Come, explore the captivating narratives that have shaped Vietnam’s identity and discover the stories that continue to resonate in its present.
- Address: No 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City | No 216 Tran Quang Khai, Trang Tien ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND/person, students: 20,000 VND/person, students: 10,000 VND/person
- Museum opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Geology Museum Hanoi
The Hanoi Geological Museum is the nation’s repository showcasing geological and mineral specimens from Vietnam. Similar to its counterpart in Ho Chi Minh City, this museum in Hanoi was established in 1914 by two French geologists under the auspices of the Indochina Geological Department. Since its inception, the museum has played a pivotal role in educating graduate students and disseminating general knowledge to both students and visitors.
The geological, mineral, and paleontological specimens are organized into three main themes: Vietnam’s geological history and its place in the Earth’s history, Vietnam’s geology and minerals, and thematic collections. Among these, a particularly remarkable artifact is the femur fossil of a Titanosaurus dinosaur, discovered in Lower Laos in 1935.
- Address: 6 Pham Ngu Lao, Phan Chu Trinh ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price: Free
- Open hours: Monday – Sunday. From 8:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; 13:00 – 16:15.
Vietnam Military History Museum
The Vietnam Military History Museum, one of the six major national museums and the first military museum in Vietnam, boasts an extensive display system both indoors and outdoors, featuring approximately 150,000 artifacts.
These artifacts include weaponry, aircraft, tanks, missiles, and more, collectively providing a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s history of resistance against invasion from its founding to the present day. Among the collections at the Vietnam Military History Museum, there are four items recognized as national treasures.
Visitors to the museum can not only marvel at the impressive array of vehicles and machinery but also listen to historical accounts of past campaigns and fierce battles, gaining a deeper understanding of the military strength and prowess of Vietnam People’s Army.
- Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Dien Ban ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price: 20,000 VND/Vietnamese visitor, 40,000 VND/foreign visitor
- Open hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Established in 1987, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum has a multifaceted mission. It seeks to portray the image and role of Vietnamese women in both wartime and peacetime, while also serving as a hub for cultural and educational exchanges with the goal of promoting gender equality and the advancement of Vietnamese women. Over the past decade, the museum has gathered thousands of documents and artifacts from all corners of Vietnam.
In addition to its permanent exhibition system, the museum regularly hosts thematic exhibitions that employ innovative approaches. After more than 30 years of continuous development and creativity, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum has evolved into a captivating attraction in Hanoi, drawing significant attention from both domestic and international visitors.
- Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND/adult, 20,000 VND/student/member of the Vietnam Women’s Union, 10,000 VND/child/student
- Operating hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Bat Trang Pottery Museum
The Bat Trang Pottery Museum in Hanoi, also known as the Rotating Museum or Bat Trang Museum, is a new check-in location popular among young people. Situated in the Bat Trang pottery village in Gia Lam district, this museum features a striking architectural design. The centerpiece consists of seven giant spirals interlocking with each other, inspired by a ceramic turntable. These spirals have multifaceted curved surfaces, creating an intriguing architectural structure.
Additionally, the museum highlights the use of local materials like fired bricks and Bat Trang tiles, paying homage to the traditional craft village’s rustic and simple characteristics. Beyond its cultural preservation role, the museum serves as a hub for community activities and offers hands-on ceramic-making experiences for visitors, fostering cultural exchange. While the museum is still under construction, visitors can explore and take photos in its outdoor area.
- Address: Village 5, Bat Trang commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price: Entrance and visiting floors 1, 2, 3, 4: 50,000 VND/person,
- Open hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
Vietnam Air Force and Air Defense Museum
Another military museum, especially for those who love the glorious air strikes of the Vietnamese army, is the Vietnam Air Defense and Air Force Museum. Established in 2007, this is a place to store many images, documents, and artifacts introducing the formation, construction, and continuous fighting of the Vietnam People’s Air Force.
The indoor display is divided into 6 large topics, while the outdoor part introduces a collection of weapons, equipment, and valuable artifacts associated with the victories of the Air Defense and Air Force in the two wars
- Address: 173C Truong Chinh, Khuong Mai Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi City
- Ticket price: 15,000 VND/Vietnamese person, 30,000 VND/foreigner
- Open hours: Morning 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (weekdays); 13:00 – 16:30 (Saturday, Sunday and holidays)
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, established in 1981 in Hanoi, offers a comprehensive glimpse into the history and culture of the nation’s 54 ethnic groups. It serves as a rich tapestry showcasing the customs, traditions, community cultures, and beliefs of these diverse ethnic communities inhabiting Vietnam’s distinctive landscape.
With three primary exhibition areas housing an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and immersive multimedia, visitors are transported into a multi-dimensional cultural realm. Here, they can explore traditional craft villages, folk arts, and indigenous games. Additionally, the museum provides insights into the cultures of Southeast Asian nations, Asia as a whole, and select ethnic groups from around the world, offering a broader perspective on human diversity and heritage.
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- Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Hoa ward, Cau Giay district, Hanoi city
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND/person; Students: 20,000 VND/person; Students: 10,000 VND/person
- Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
Museum of Armored Forces (Hanoi)
The Armored Museum in Hanoi, overseen by the Department of Politics within the Vietnam People’s Army, has a vital role in collecting, showcasing, researching, and disseminating historical materials and artifacts related to the Armored Force. Beyond its function as an exhibition space, this museum serves as a hub for veterans and tank crew members to reunite, reminisce, and exchange stories.
The museum’s collection of artifacts represents vivid historical narratives, encapsulating the unwavering spirit and determination of the Tank and Armor forces.
- Address: No. 108 Hoang Quoc Viet, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi
- Ticket price: free
- Opening hours: morning from 8:00 am – 11:00 am; Afternoon from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (All days of the week except Friday)
Vietnam Museum of Revolution
The Vietnam Revolution Museum serves as a poignant testament to the historical struggle waged by the Vietnamese people against colonial powers, including France, Japan, and the United States, in their quest for independence. This museum houses a wealth of precious artifacts from these pivotal battles and has emerged as a prominent tourist attraction in Hanoi, drawing a significant number of visitors.
The Vietnam Revolution Museum vividly portrays the unwavering determination of the Vietnamese people who, armed with simple means yet driven by a steadfast belief in a brighter future, triumphed over the harsh repression imposed by imperialist forces. The museum’s primary mission is to collect, preserve, and showcase the formidable anti-imperialist and feudal revolutionary efforts undertaken by the nation’s heroes.
Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore and engage with artifacts and documents that chronicle the Vietnamese people’s struggle against France, Japan, and the United States (from the mid-19th century to 1975), as well as the ongoing journey of nation-building and defense up to the present day.
- Address: 25 Tong Dan, Trang Tien ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
- Ticket price: free
- Open hours: All weekdays and holidays (except Monday), Morning: 8:00 – 11:45, Afternoon: 13:30 – 16:15
Museum of People’s Public Security
The People’s Public Security Museum was officially established on June 16, 1967, through Decision No. 405-CA/QD. Over the years, it has amassed a vast collection, boasting nearly 20,000 documents and artifacts, including 9 rare and unique collections.
The primary objective of the People’s Public Security Museum is to honor and acknowledge the significant contributions made by generations of police officers and soldiers. It serves as a permanent repository for historical images, documents, and artifacts related to the police force.
This invaluable collection not only preserves the memory of past achievements but also plays a crucial role in nurturing revolutionary knowledge and instilling a deep sense of dedication among current and future generations of police officers and soldiers.
Furthermore, the museum serves as a platform for traditional education, ensuring that the rich history and legacy of the police force continue to inspire and guide those tasked with safeguarding the security and order of the Fatherland, from one generation to the next.
- Địa chỉ: Số 1 Trần Bình Trọng, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
- Giờ mở cửa: 08h00 đến 16h30, thứ Ba đến thứ Bảy hàng tuần
- Giá vé tham quan: Miễn phí
Explore the Heart of Hanoi’s History and Culture: Its Museums. From the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts to the Vietnam Military History Museum, these cultural gems unveil the stories, art, and heritage of this enchanting city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious, Hanoi’s museums offer an enriching journey through time and tradition. So, embark on an adventure of discovery and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Hanoi’s past and present.
