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Ho Chi Minh City Museum: A Journey Through Saigon’s Living History
Ho Chi Minh City Museum: A Journey Through Saigon’s Living History
Amid the lively rhythm of District 1, where soft light filters through ancient oil trees and the hum of traffic creates a familiar cadence, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum appears like a quiet pause in the flow of time. It is one of Saigon’s most remarkable heritage buildings, a place where layers of memory are preserved and where the city’s more than one hundred year journey of growth and transformation continues to echo through every room.
This article is an invitation for those who wish to step into the world of history and discover the museum’s understated allure.
What is the Ho Chi Minh City Museum?
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is located at the heart of District 1 inside an elegant late nineteenth century mansion. Once the residence and workplace of the Governor of Cochinchina, it played an essential role in the administrative system during the French colonial era.
For over a century, the building has witnessed the city’s triumphs and upheavals. The weight of history still seems to linger on each staircase and behind every aged window frame. Today, the museum preserves a wide and carefully curated collection of valuable artifacts that reflect Saigon’s cultural and historical evolution.
Historical Milestones
The building itself is part of the city’s historical fabric. Every corridor and architectural detail holds traces of the past. As visitors move through the space, they can sense the many layers of meaning left behind by generations.
| Year | Event |
| 1885 | Construction began in a European architectural style, forming the foundation of the future Governor’s Palace. |
| 1890 | Completion of the mansion. From 1890 to 1945, it served as both residence and workplace for the Governors of Cochinchina. |
| 1945 to 1954 | Following the French coup in March 1945, the building was used by successive governments. |
| 1954 to 1962 | Renamed Dinh Gia Long, it became the first Presidential Office during the early years of the Republic, before the Independence Palace was completed. |
| November 11, 1960 | The building was the main target of an attempted coup. Some accounts reference hidden or restricted underground spaces that were associated with periods of political unrest, adding another dimension to the building’s historical narrative. |
| 1962 to 1975 | Transformed into the Senate House of the Republic of Vietnam, hosting legislative activities. |
| 1975 to 1999 | After April 30, 1975, the building was gradually converted into a space for storing and displaying the city’s historical records. |
| 2000 to 2025 | This period has focused on preservation, digital narration, expanded collections, and enhanced educational programs as the museum welcomes a growing number of domestic and international guests. |
Location
- Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 to 17:00 daily
- Entrance fee: 30,000 VND for adults, 15,000 VND for students with ID
The museum sits on Ly Tu Trong Street, surrounded by towering old trees and familiar roads such as Dong Khoi, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and Pasteur. Its neoclassical façade stands out amid the urban pace, creating a distinctive landmark that is easy to recognize.
Visitors should dress respectfully, store large luggage in the designated area, keep noise to a minimum, refrain from bringing food and beverages inside, and avoid touching displayed artifacts. Professional photography and filming require permission from museum management.
How to Get to the Museum
Traveling to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum from the city center is effortless, with several options to suit different preferences and weather conditions.
Walking is ideal for those staying nearby. The museum is only a ten to fifteen minute stroll from central areas, and the tree lined streets provide a pleasant and calming atmosphere.
Taking a taxi or ride hailing service is comfortable and convenient, especially on warm days. The journey takes just a few minutes.
Motorbike ride hailing offers flexibility for those who want to save time.
For guests staying at Hôtel des Arts Saigon, the trip is wonderfully brief. A gentle walk or quick taxi ride is all it takes to begin exploring the stories of Saigon’s past.
Exploring the Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Upon entering the courtyard, visitors are greeted by the dignified yet graceful presence of neoclassical architecture. Tall Corinthian columns, softly curved arches, and gentle light streaming through the windows create an ambience that is both elegant and quietly nostalgic.
Inside, the galleries are arranged thematically, guiding guests through the city’s history from early settlement and colonial periods to wartime moments and modern development.
Main Exhibition Rooms
The museum presents several themed exhibition rooms, each offering its own window into Saigon’s cultural and historical heritage. Ancient maps, traditional costumes, folk artifacts, and documents from the two major resistance periods are displayed under soft lighting. This space allows visitors to feel the depth of history and the creative spirit that has shaped Saigon for generations.
Architecture and Inner Courtyard
A grand staircase adorned with classic encaustic tiles, intricately carved railings, and tall glass doors that invite natural light create a visual harmony of color and texture. Stepping into the courtyard, guests will find military relics placed amid a lush garden. The space is both solemn and contemplative.
Silent Corners that Tell Stories
Amid the movement of visitors, some quiet corners still recall Saigon during its more turbulent years. The underground tunnels once used during wartime have now become a profound layer of memory. Guests walking through this space may feel the stories that remain imprinted on the walls and beneath their steps.
Things to Know Before Visiting
To enjoy a complete visit, allocate at least ninety minutes for exploration. The gentle morning hours or late afternoon provide beautiful daylight that enhances the building’s charm.
Quick information
- Opening hours: 8:00 to 17:00
- Entrance fee: 30,000 VND for adults, 15,000 VND for students
- Address: 65 Lý Tự Trọng Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1
- Architectural style: Neoclassical with French colonial influences
- Suggested duration: 60 to 90 minutes
- Regulations: Dress modestly, keep noise low, store luggage, do not touch artifacts
Comfortable shoes make the experience easier, especially if you plan to take photographs during the softer hours of daylight. Staying near the center also allows you to pair your visit with other cultural landmarks in the same day.
For travelers seeking a place to unwind with an artistic spirit, Hôtel des Arts Saigon offers a graceful retreat. The hotel blends classical beauty with modern expression, reflecting Saigon’s essence of romance, elegance, and inspiration.
As you step out of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, you may sense that history does not remain only in the past. It moves gently around you, in the light, in the breeze, and in the moss touched rooftops scattered across the city. Walk slowly, stay close to the moment, and let Saigon share its story with you, a story shaped by time, memory, and a deep affection for this land.
A stay at Hôtel des Arts Saigon becomes a serene companion to this journey, offering a quiet refuge where the city’s charm unfolds with warmth and artistry.
Meaningful. Memorable. Moments.
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