Cover Visiting these three museums, Vietnamese nationals can relive the heroic memories of their ancestors
Visiting these three museums, Vietnamese nationals can relive the heroic memories of their ancestors
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In an era when many young people struggle to connect with history, a visit to a museum becomes an indirect journey and an invitation to reflect, record and touch the golden pages of the nation’s story.
The 80th anniversary of National Day offers a profound moment for every Vietnamese person, particularly the younger generation, to reconnect with their roots and the heroic memories of the nation. History is not only safeguarded in books but comes alive in the texture of every artefact, the power of every film and the emotion within every story on display. Museums provide spaces where the past can be encountered directly, allowing pride to be renewed and reflection to deepen. Join Tatler Vietnam in retracing significant milestones and visiting three museums in Hanoi that continue to keep the Vietnamese spirit radiant and immortal.
Vietnam Military History Museum
The Vietnam Military History Museum is an essential stop for those wishing to grasp the full sweep of the nation’s past. In November 2024, the museum relocated from 28A Dien Bien Phu to a new and more expansive site on Thang Long Avenue. Spread across more than 386,000 m², the project features a striking central building and a 45-metre-high, five-pointed star-shaped Victory Tower evoking the historic moment of 1945. Exhibition spaces combine traditional and contemporary design, with campaign simulation models, light and sound installations and interactive screens offering visitors an immediate sense of history. Outside, monumental weapons including MiG aircraft, anti-aircraft artillery and tanks are displayed in vivid scale.
Above The Vietnam Military History Museum is a must-see destination for those who want to explore the history of the nation in the most complete way (photo: Vietnam Military History Museum)
The Vietnam Military History Museum is a must-see destination for those who want to explore the history of the nation in the most complete way (photo: Vietnam Military History Museum)
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The museum’s highlight is its collection of more than 150,000 artefacts, among them four National Treasures: MiG-21 aircraft number 5121, the legendary fighter linked with the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory in 1972; MiG-21 aircraft number 4324, witness to 14 victories in northern skies between 1965 and 1972; the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Determination map, marking the spring 1975 moment of total victory; and T-54B tank number 843, the “steel witness” that broke through the gates of the Independence Palace on 30 April 1975, signalling liberation of the South and national reunification.
Amidst the vast outdoor displays of cannons, rockets and planes are stories recounted with clarity, allowing visitors not only to admire but to truly immerse themselves in history. On National Day, 2 September, the museum becomes a place where the younger generation can deepen their sense of pride.
Above The Vietnam Military History Museum displays more than 150,000 artefacts (photo: Vietnam Military History Museum)
Above Interspersed among the giant outdoor weapons such as cannons, missiles, airplanes, etc. are historical stories that are clearly told (photo: Vietnam Military History Museum)
The Vietnam Military History Museum displays more than 150,000 artefacts (photo: Vietnam Military History Museum)
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Museum of Tank and Armored Forces
Situated on Hoang Quoc Viet Street, the Armored Forces Museum preserves the specialised history of one of the youngest yet most heroic branches of the Vietnam People’s Army, known as the “iron fist”. The museum charts the formation and growth of the Armored Forces from their earliest days while honouring the courage, ingenuity and steel resolve that carried the nation to decisive victories.
Above The Tank and Armored Forces Museum is an outdoor exhibition where many models of tanks and armoured vehicles are solemnly arranged, from T-34 and T-54 versions to post-1975 models
The Tank and Armored Forces Museum is an outdoor exhibition where many models of tanks and armoured vehicles are solemnly arranged, from T-34 and T-54 versions to post-1975 models
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The museum’s special attraction is the outdoor display, where tanks and armoured vehicles are solemnly arranged, from T-34 and T-54 versions to post-1975 models. Visitors can see for themselves the “steel warriors” that took part in historic campaigns such as Route 9 to Southern Laos in 1971 and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975. Indoors, images, maps, documents and models are presented with skill, recreating defining feats of arms.
A visit to the Tank Museum is not only an occasion to view military equipment but also a chance to experience history through the lens of a specialised military branch. Each steel vehicle standing proudly in the courtyard, each piece of documentary footage, speaks of the strength born from will, courage and an indomitable fighting spirit.
See also: Rare Charlie Chaplin artefacts return to Hanoi at Paddy MacDonald’s exhibition
National Museum of History (Facility 25 Tong Dan)
Once the Vietnam Revolutionary Museum, the 25 Tong Dan site of the National Museum of History houses more than 40,000 artefacts charting Vietnamese history from the mid-19th century to the aftermath of the August Revolution in 1945. The elegant French colonial building provides a fitting setting to retrace a turbulent era, drawing visitors back to the years when the nation endured under feudal colonial rule.
Stepping inside, visitors are guided through over 40,000 artefacts, organised by theme and historical period. The galleries bring to life the patriotic movements of the late 19th century, from Duy Tan and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc to the Nghe Tinh Soviets and the anti-fascist National United Front. Rare items such as Thanh Nien newspaper founded by Nguyen Ai Quoc, clandestine revolutionary publications, rudimentary weapons forged by the people, and portraits and documents of revolutionary leaders are carefully displayed with thoughtful design.
Above The National Museum of History (25 Tong Dan) preserves more than 40,000 artefacts depicting Vietnamese history from the mid-19th century to after the August Revolution in 1945
Above The museum space is imbued with ancient French colonial architecture (photo: National Museum of History)
The National Museum of History (25 Tong Dan) preserves more than 40,000 artefacts depicting Vietnamese history from the mid-19th century to after the August Revolution in 1945
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Above Each artefact, from a time-worn leaflet to a blurred documentary photo, tells a story about the desire for freedom, independence and an indomitable spirit (photo: National Museum of History)
Each artefact, from a time-worn leaflet to a blurred documentary photo, tells a story about the desire for freedom, independence and an indomitable spirit (photo: National Museum of History)
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The most moving section recreates the August Revolution of 1945 and the historic moment of 2 September at Ba Dinh Square, when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. That sacred event is brought to life so vividly that each visitor can feel the profound value of freedom and sovereignty.
More than a repository of artefacts, the museum inspires reflection on the meaning of independence, freedom and peace. Each exhibit, whether a fragile leaflet or a faded photograph, carries a story of aspiration and resilience. On National Day, 2 September, a visit to the National Museum of History is not merely a lesson in the past but a chance to contemplate the value of peace today, nurturing both pride and responsibility for the nation’s future.
