Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Ho Chi Minh City Museum is formerly known as the Revolutionary Museum, located right in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. This central building attracts more newlyweds posing for photos on the front steps than anything. Originally built in 1890 by the French as a commercial museum, the building then became the residence of Japanese Governor Minoda. It once was also the office of the Nam Bo Provisional Administrative Committee in 1945 and of the Republic of France High Commissioner. The building was later reconverted into the residence of the Governor of Nam Ky. And until August 1978, the building was finally turned into the Ho Chi Minh City Revolutionary Museum. 

The exhibits in this museum in Ho Chi Minh City cover a broad range, from archaeology to ethnic survey, early photos of the city, and documents from its founding in the 1600s. The second floor is a collection of items related to Vietnam's ongoing revolution, with displays of weaponry and memorabilia from the period of struggle against imperialism and many flags, placards, and dispatches from the rise of Communism, beginning with the August Revolution of 1945 all the way to the victory in Saigon, bringing the independence to the whole country. The bias is heavy, of course, and it is an important rendering of Vietnam's protracted struggle and ideologies. The grounds are very picturesque, and there is an interesting collection of captured U.S. fighter planes, tanks, and artillery in the main courtyard. Underneath the building is a series of tunnels leading to the Reunification Palace, once used by former President Ngo Dinh Diem as a hide-out before his execution in 1962. A worth visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

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