On September 12, 1977, Resolution No. 04-NQ/TU was issued by the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee, officially establishing the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The Government Council approved the museum's design task in 1978, and on December 30, 1982, Decision No. 14-QD/TU from the Political Bureau marked the commencement of construction. The museum's groundbreaking took place on August 31, 1985, and it was proudly inaugurated on May 19, 1990, coinciding with the 100th birthday celebration of President Ho Chi Minh. Mr. Garon Isacovich, a Russian architect, is credited as the project's designer. Situated on a lush 7.3-hectare green campus, this museum stands as one of Vietnam's largest.
At its core, the Ho Chi Minh Museum is a tribute to the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh, primarily showcasing artifacts and documents that chronicle his extraordinary journey. The museum building itself is adorned with the symbol of a white lotus, emblematic of the simple yet noble life led by President Ho Chi Minh. This symbolic gesture also reflects the profound respect and gratitude of the Vietnamese people towards their beloved and resolute leader, who paved the way for the nation to follow the path he charted.
The central focal point of the pavilion, known as the solemn space, houses a commanding 3.5-meter-high bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh, weighing a substantial 2.8 tons. Positioned behind the statue, symbolic representations include the sun and the image of a banyan tree, epitomizing the resilience and enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people. The ceiling of this space is adorned with a bronze circle interwoven with flower-shaped lanterns, portraying the sky. The floor's centerpiece features a square arrangement of assembled stone flowers, symbolizing both the earth and the essence of Vietnam. Flanking the solemn entrance are two bas-reliefs, vividly depicting the Vietnamese people's rich tradition of nation-building and defense.
The Museum's primary exhibition area, spanning 4,000 square meters, is situated on the 3rd floor, while two additional exhibition spaces on the 2nd floor cover 600 square meters. A dedicated exploration space for educational purposes exceeds 150 square meters. The Museum's core repository houses an extensive collection of 130,000 documents and artifacts, complemented by a specialized library focused on literature about President Ho Chi Minh. The archive boasts over 12,000 documents, including precious historical records. The library currently houses more than 6,700 books, totaling around 25,000 copies, alongside magazines and newspapers. Leveraging information technology, the library efficiently manages and serves its readers.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum's main exhibition encompasses three key themes:
- Biography of President Ho Chi Minh:
- A comprehensive overview of President Ho Chi Minh's life, tracing his journey from childhood to his passing, and highlights the endeavors of the Vietnamese people in realizing his vision.
- Life, Battles, and Victories of the Vietnamese People:
- Explore the rich tapestry of the Vietnamese people's lives, delving into their struggles, battles, and triumphs.
- World Historical Events:
- Examine significant global events, particularly from the late 19th century through the 20th century, that profoundly influenced President Ho Chi Minh's life and career, as well as the broader context of the Vietnamese revolution.
Beyond its role as a showcase, the Ho Chi Minh Museum is dedicated to scientific research and educational missions centered around President Ho Chi Minh's life and revolutionary contributions. Additionally, the museum plays a crucial role in offering professional guidance to the network of museums and memorial sites dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh nationwide. Through ongoing collaborations, the museum actively engages in professional exchanges with counterparts abroad, fostering relationships with museums and relics in countries such as the Russian Federation, China, Laos, France, and Thailand.
Address: 19 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
Phone: 024 38455435.
