If you think history is a bore, think again! The Vietnam History Museum, a dazzling result of merging the old Vietnam History Museum and the Vietnam Revolution Museum, now stands proud in Hanoi.
Located at 1 Trang Tien Street, this museum is not your average Monday blues cure – it’s closed on Mondays but open for a history extravaganza throughout the rest of the week.
Time Capsules Galore: Museum’s Historical Journey
Established on September 3, 1958, the Vietnam History Museum is like a time-traveling wizard, inheriting the Louis Finot Museum’s magical relics from 1929.
This 2000 m² historical wonderland unfolds through four captivating parts, taking you from Prehistoric Vietnam to the mesmerizing Gallery of Champa stone sculpture collections.
Architectural Marvel: The French Connection
Hold onto your hats, architecture enthusiasts! The museum’s Louis Finot roots, designed by architects C.Batteur and E.Hébrard in 1925, embody the French-Indochina style.
With an octagonal hall boasting a 3-layer roof system, this building is not just a history capsule but also an architectural showstopper.
Wander through its well-organized thematic spaces and marvel at how it survives Hanoi’s humidity like a pro.
A Symphony of Design: Roof Dance
The museum’s roof is no ordinary umbrella – it’s a masterpiece.
A three-layer dance with overlapping painted stripes echoes ancient Chinese architecture while giving a nod to the bell tower of Keo Pagoda, Thai Binh.
The double-layer match roof style brings traditional Vietnamese charm, creating shadows on the facade and making you wonder why roofs aren’t celebrated more often.
Subterranean Secrets: What Lies Beneath
Just when you thought the museum spilled all its historical beans, surprise!
Beneath the exhibition floor lies a 2.5 m high ground floor, hiding restoration rooms, storage, warehouses, and administrative departments.
It’s the secret lair where the museum keeps its treasures safe and dry, defying Hanoi’s humidity like a superhero.
Ventilation Vigilance: Roof’s Role
The museum’s roof isn’t just about looks; it’s a functional marvel, too.
The gap between the two layers is the superhero sidekick, aiding in natural ventilation.
As the lower roof extends out, it’s not just protecting from sun and rain – it’s creating shadows, adding charm, and giving the museum an unmistakable Asian flair.
Charm in Columns: Asian Aesthetics
The roof isn’t alone in the aesthetics game – double columns with stylized paint systems and patterns on the railings join the party.
This distinctly Asian appearance adds a touch of elegance to the museum’s facade, making it a must-see for history buffs and anyone with an eye for beauty.
So, buckle up, time travelers and architecture admirers!
The National Museum of History in Hanoi is waiting to enchant you with its historical tales and architectural wonders.
