Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History: Information, Opening Hours, and Ticket Prices
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists, housing precious memories and artifacts from the past. A visit to the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s history and culture, from prehistoric times to the present day, providing deeper insight into the country’s tumultuous journey and formation. It is a place where Vietnam’s rich culture and enduring patriotism have been shaped and preserved.
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Overview of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, originally known as the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum (named after the Governor of Cochinchina), is located within the grounds of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Established in 1929, it became the first museum in southern Vietnam. In 1956, the museum was renamed the National Museum of Vietnam and began showcasing ancient art from various Asian countries. A significant turning point occurred in 1979 when it was officially renamed the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History. In 2012, the museum building was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site.
Currently, the museum houses around 40,000 unique and precious artifacts, offering insights into Vietnam’s history and culture from prehistoric times to 1945. The museum also regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and other events aimed at introducing Vietnam’s rich historical and cultural heritage to the public.
In August 2024, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, one of Vietnam’s most treasured cultural institutions, officially launched an impressive new visual identity, making it one of the few museums in Vietnam to invest in a comprehensive rebranding. This change is not merely cosmetic; it carries a powerful message about bridging the nation’s heroic past with its vibrant present.
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The museum’s new logo, designed by the young team at Zam Studio, draws inspiration from distinctive architectural patterns. Like a beam of light shining from the past into the modern era, the logo symbolizes the strong spirit of exploration that resides within us all.
The museum’s new identity celebrates the vivid colors of each artifact from across the homeland, emphasizing the value of heritage while incorporating a touch of bold originality. Every pattern reveals a new story, shimmering from the distant past and spreading through every corner of life, inviting you to explore the world. Together, they form a “precious Vietnam.”
Notably, the motifs linked to the artifacts preserved by the museum have been creatively stylized and featured on various products, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. This allows guests to “take home” a piece of history’s memory after their visit.
How to Get to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
Museum Address: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Located in the heart of the city, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is easy to find and access.
Getting There by Personal Vehicle: Car, Taxi, Motorbike, Bicycle
From the city center, you can take Nguyen Binh Khiem Street. At the Pasteur – Nguyen Binh Khiem intersection, turn left. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History will be on your left-hand side. If you’re unfamiliar with the route, you can use Google Maps for directions.
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Getting There by Bus
Several bus routes pass by the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, including:
- Route 01: Ben Thanh – Western Bus Station
- Route 03: Ben Thanh – 23/9 Park
- Route 04: Ben Thanh – An Suong Bus Station
- Route 18: Ben Thanh – Cho Lon
- Route 36: Ben Thanh – Eastern Bus Station
You can also catch a bus from the bus stops along Nguyen Binh Khiem Street. When you reach the Pasteur – Nguyen Binh Khiem stop, get off and walk about 50 meters to reach the museum.
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What to See at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
Vietnamese History from Prehistoric Times to the Nguyen Dynasty
- Room 1 – Prehistoric Era: This room displays archaeological discoveries, including human teeth found in caves at Tham Khuyen and Tham Hai (Lang Son), primitive stone tools with marks of human craftsmanship from Nuong Mountain (Thanh Hoa) and Dat Mountain (Dong Nai). These artifacts provide evidence of human habitation across Vietnam dating back 500,000 years.
- Room 2 – The Era of Nation Building and Defense (2879 BC – 938 AD)
- Room 3 – The Ngo, Dinh, and Early Le Dynasties (939 – 1009 AD)
- Room 4 – The Ly Dynasty (1009 – 1225 AD)
- Room 5 – The Tran and Ho Dynasties (1226 – 1407 AD)
- Room 9 – The Early Le, Mac, and Le Trung Hung Dynasties (1428 – 1788 AD)
- Room 10 – The Tay Son Dynasty (1771 – 1802 AD)
- Room 12 – The Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945 AD)
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Southern Vietnam and Other Asian Cultures
- Room 6 – Champa Culture (2nd – 17th Century): The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History houses one of the largest collections of Champa art in the world. The highlight of this collection is the Devi Huong Que statue.
- Room 7 – Oc Eo Culture (1st – 7th Century): The art of the Oc Eo culture reached a high level of sophistication, particularly visible in their jewelry made of gold, bronze, tin, semi-precious stones, and glass beads.
- Room 8 – Cambodian Stone Sculptures (9th – 13th Century): The 10th to 13th centuries marked the flourishing period of Cambodia, with stunning stone sculptures on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History.
- Room 13 – Duong Ha Collection: A large collection painstakingly gathered by Professor Duong Minh Thoi and his wife Ha Thi Ngoc in the 1930s and 1940s.
- Room 14 – Ceramics from Several Asian Countries: The museum’s ceramic collection includes items from China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
- Room 16 – Vuong Hong Sen Collection: Researcher Vuong Hong Sen (1902 – 1996) was renowned in southern Vietnam for discovering more than 800 artifacts. The exhibition showcases various items made of different materials from Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, and France, dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries.
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Cannons in the Outdoor Area
The museum’s outdoor area features a cannon dating from the 18th – 19th century. These large cannons, cast in bronze, iron, or steel, used solid iron or steel balls as ammunition and were highly effective in combat.
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Opening Hours and Ticket Prices at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
Opening Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday
- Morning: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: 30,000 VND per visitor
- Students, children (ages 6 to 16), senior citizens (Vietnamese citizens aged 60 and above), and people with severe disabilities: 15,000 VND per visitor
- Free entry for children under 6 years old, people with extreme disabilities, and those from low-income households.
Note: For individuals eligible for free or discounted tickets, please present valid documentation to verify your eligibility as per the museum’s regulations.
Notes for Visiting the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
- Visitors must present identification when purchasing tickets.
- Food, drinks, mobile phones, and other electronic devices are not allowed inside the museum.
- Do not touch any of the displayed artifacts.
- Smoking and using mobile phones are prohibited in the exhibition areas.
- Visitors are expected to maintain a quiet and orderly environment.
- The museum provides free guided tour services for visitors.
- The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and other events. Visitors can check the museum’s website for more information.
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With nearly a century of history in southern Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History continues its mission of preserving the country’s significant historical values. Additionally, the museum has undergone an impressive transformation, presenting a fresh, youthful, and creative identity. The harmonious blend of heritage and modern style makes it an appealing destination for younger generations, inspiring a passion for history. This transformation reflects the museum’s ongoing efforts to keep up with contemporary trends and offer captivating historical experiences.
