The theme of the museum is solemn and formal since the whole structure is devoted to portraying the significant and full-of-ideal life of Ho Chi Minh, ‘Light bringer’ of Vietnam’s citizens. Ho Chi Minh dedicated his entire life to the cause of independence and freedom of his motherland. His contribution to the common struggle for democracy and social progress, national independence, and peace is enormous and immense.
The exhibitions in the museum are categorized into 8 chronological themes which provide an elaborate description of Ho Chi Minh’s life and career as a great patriot. The first theme covers the first stage of Ho Chi Minh’ life, from 1890 to 1910. In this period of being raised by Nguyen Sinh Sac, a Confucian scholar, Nguyen Sinh Cung (Ho Chi Minh’s born name) was instilled with Confucian ideologies and moral values. The second theme tells the story of the brave and courageous youngster, Nguyen Tat Thanh, who left his home country to travel the world to find out the way to rescue the country from the French colonialism.
The themes from 3rd to 5th, which spread on the period of 1920-1945, depict Ho Chi Minh’s great effort of instilling Leninism and Marxism ideals into establishing Vietnamese Communist party and ultimately, setting Vietnam free from the rule of the French colonists.
The rest of the chronological themes, subject to the period of 1945-1969, is employed to discuss the national hero’s political life until he passed away due to heart failure in his home in Hanoi.
The museum displays many collections of miniatures, remembrance and artifacts appearing in Ho Chi Minh great and adventurous life.
Annotations are in the museum is in 3 languages: Vietnamese, English and French. You can join guided tours on request.
Address: 19 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
Opening Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm, closes from 11:30 am to 14:00 pm. On Monday and Friday, opens from 8 am to 12 pm.
Tips: Ho Chi Minh Museum faces a local market. You can grab lunch there as the market offers local and good fares such as Pho, banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) and Che (a Vietnamese pudding).