Ho Chi Minh City Museum (Bao Tang Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh) is devoted to the history of the city and is housed in Gia Long Palace, a building that deserves its own museum-if only these walls could talk.
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First, the museum’s contents. Not to be confused with the Ho Chi Minh Museum (dedicated to the revered revolutionary leader/late President), this museum traces the city’s development from pre-history to reunification, with special emphasis on the revolutionary struggles. There’s also a display of traditional dress and currency. There are some explanations in English, but the flow of the rooms is confusing—keep your eye out for the number signs to follow.
When the North rolled in to town. Photo: Cindy Fan
Outside, war machines are displayed on the grounds, including an A-37 fighter, M41 tank and UH-1 (Huey) helicopter.
The building itself is interesting (even more so than the actual exhibits). Built in 1887 by French architect Alfred Foulhoux, who also designed the city’s famed Post Office, it was supposed to be an exhibition hall but before it was completed, it became the Lieutenant Governor’s residence starting a tumultuous journey that would last for almost century. It was in the hands of the Japanese during occupation, then belonged to Emperor Bao Dai, a short lived stint that ended when the Viet Minh rolled in on August 25, 1945. The British arrived, who then handed it back to the French until they were ousted in 1954.
Simple tech can prevail. Photo: Cindy Fan
The most interesting period was during the tenure of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem. First used as a reception hall, it became Diem’s residence and office following the bombing of Norodom Palace in Feburary 1962, an attempted assassination. From May 1962 to October 1963, he had secret tunnels constructed underneath the palace in case he needed to beat a hasty escape. It was built none too soon as on November 1, 1963, he used the passageway to flee during an attempted coup. He escaped to Cholon, a short lived reprieve as he and his brother were assassinated the ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
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By
Cindy Fan.
Last updated on 26th August, 2017.
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