Hoi An museum of history and culture

Hoi An museum of history and culture stands as a poignant testament to the rich heritage of this ancient trading port. As one of the most meaningful destinations in Vietnam, it captivates visitors with its profound insights into the history that made Hoi An a renowned hub of commerce and cultural exchange. Stepping into this museum is like stepping back in time, where the echoes of bustling markets and the whispers of centuries-old stories reverberate through its exhibits. Here, the essence of Hoi An’s past unfolds, offering visitors a special connection to the city’s illustrious history as a beacon of trade and cultural diversity in Southeast Asia.

Introduction to Hoi An museum of history and culture

The Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, spanning approximately 800 square meters, serves as a custodian of the ancient town’s evolution—from its early beginnings through its heyday as a bustling trading port to the present day. More than just a renowned tourist attraction, it is a sanctuary preserving and showcasing Hoi An’s enduring journey across epochs.

A visit to the museum is essential for anyone seeking to delve into the deep-rooted history of this venerable town. Its comprehensive collection of 335 artifacts and documents spans three significant periods: Prehistory (up to the 2nd century), Champa civilization (2nd to 15th centuries), and Dai Viet era (15th to 19th centuries). Immerse yourself in the ebb and flow of history at this museum to truly grasp the essence of Hoi An.

Hoi An Museum Of History and Culture’s Address

The Hoi An Museum of History and Culture was originally established on November 10, 1989, and initially located at No. 7 Nguyen Hue Street in Hoi An. In August 2015, the museum was relocated to its current address at No. 10B Tran Hung Dao Street, Son Phong Ward, within the bustling city of Hoi An. This new location places it just a short walk away from the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An’s most renowned landmarks that draws visitors from around the world.

Managed by the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture plays a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the rich cultural legacy of this ancient town. Annually, it welcomes nearly 70,000 visitors, both domestic and international, who are eager to explore its extensive collection and delve into Hoi An’s fascinating history.

Opening its doors daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm (except Sundays), the museum offers a comprehensive journey through time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant past of Hoi An and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance and historical development.

Planning your visit to the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture

Visiting Hoi An Museum of History and Culture is straightforward and accessible. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance for a reasonable price of 120,000 VND per ticket. The museum is conveniently reachable by foot, bicycle, or taxi, with ample parking available for those arriving by private vehicle.

If you’re staying in Hue, consider utilizing our Hue Car Rental service. For further details, you can also explore our comprehensive guide on Hoi An Airport and the nearest airports to Hoi An.

The journey from Da Nang to Hoi An has been made easy by advancements in tourism infrastructure. You have several transportation options to choose from:

Private Car Transfer: Opting for a private car from Da Nang to Hoi An ensures comfort and flexibility. We offer door-to-door service and can tailor the itinerary to your preferences, always ensuring competitive pricing. Discover more options through our Hoi An Private Cars service.

Motorbike: Navigate from Da Nang along Vo Nguyen Giap and Truong Sa Lac Long Quan routes. Upon reaching Hai Ba Trung Street, turn right and continue straight until Nguyen Cong Tru Street, where you’ll make a left turn. Proceed along Ly Truong To Street until reaching the museum at the end.

Bus: A popular and economical choice, buses provide convenient transportation between Da Nang and Hoi An for approximately 30,000 VND per trip.

Taxi: While convenient, taxis can be more expensive, ranging from 350,000 to 430,000 VND for a one-way trip and 750,000 to 950,000 VND for a round trip.

Choose the transportation method that best suits your preferences and budget to ensure a seamless journey to explore the rich history and culture housed within the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture.

Readmore: Museum of Trade Ceramics – Hoi An’s Golden Era of Prosperity

Discover the highlights awaiting you at the Museum of History and Culture in Hoi An

The themes explored within the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture are diverse and compelling. This museum offers a captivating journey through the town’s rich history across four distinct galleries.

Firstly, the Revolutionary Tradition Gallery portrays Hoi An’s history post-liberation in 1975, highlighting its evolution during this significant period. Secondly, the Pre-Sa Huynh Culture Gallery delves into Hoi An’s ancient past dating back 2000 years, shedding light on its early cultural roots. Thirdly, the Champa Period (2nd to 19th centuries) Gallery showcases artifacts from this era when Hoi An flourished as a Champa trading port. Lastly, the Dai Viet Period (15th to 19th centuries) Gallery exhibits artifacts illuminating Hoi An’s role as a bustling international trading hub in Cochinchina and Southeast Asia.

Numerous archaeological discoveries, recovered from riverbeds, seabeds, and both urban and suburban areas, enrich the museum’s collection. Through these artifacts, the Museum of History and Culture vividly chronicles Hoi An’s historical development and its pivotal role in regional trade networks.

Particularly noteworthy are the artifacts from the Dai Viet period, spanning from the late 15th to the mid-19th century, which underscore Hoi An’s prominence as a crucial international trading port in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. These exhibits collectively provide a profound insight into Hoi An’s cultural heritage and its enduring significance in regional history.

Gallery of Revolutionary Traditions

Hoi An holds a distinguished place in Vietnam’s revolutionary history as the birthplace of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth Organization, founded here in October 1927. This organization later evolved into the vanguard of the Vietnamese Communist Party. The Revolutionary Tradition Gallery at the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture offers a profound exploration of Vietnam’s struggle against colonialism and imperialism.

Within this gallery, visitors can delve into the intricate political history of Vietnam, gaining insights into the leadership of iconic figures such as President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap. The exhibits include a rich array of artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the dynamic and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese revolutionary movement.

Hoi An in the Post-Liberation Era Since 1975

This gallery vividly portrays the transformative changes that took place in Hoi An following its liberation in 1975 and leading up to the country’s renovation period. It showcases Hoi An’s remarkable journey from adversity, highlighting the unwavering belief, collective effort, solidarity, and enthusiasm of its people in rebuilding and developing the nation after the Vietnam War.

Through a collection of over 100 documents and artifacts, visitors can witness firsthand the tireless labor and determination that fueled Hoi An’s post-war economic and social progress. The exhibits cover various aspects of development, including the revival of traditional handicrafts, industrial growth, and the burgeoning tourism sector. Together, these displays offer a compelling narrative of resilience and renewal in Hoi An’s recent history.

The Pre-Sa Huynh Culture Period from 2000 Years Ago

In this section, the museum showcases 102 original artifacts and images from excavation sites. These artifacts include tools used in daily life, production, warfare, and jewelry, crafted from a variety of materials including ceramics, bronze, iron, stone, and glass.

The exhibit includes Chinese coins such as Ngu Thu (from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD) and Vuong Mang (1st century AD). Additionally, there are onyx jewelry and glass items believed to originate from South India or the Middle East.

This evidence illustrates that approximately 2000 years ago, the inhabitants of the Sa Huynh culture engaged in wet rice farming, as well as the exploitation and processing of marine products. They were skilled in various crafts including metalworking, weaving, carpentry, and jewelry making.

An exemplary artifact from this era is the pottery jar unearthed at the Protestant cemetery in Hau Xa, Cam Ha, discovered in 1990. These pottery jars were used as burial vessels by Sa Huynh residents over 2000 years ago, shedding light on their burial customs and practices.

The Champa Period, spanning from the 2nd century to the 19th century

The Champa period, spanning from the 2nd to the 15th century, marked a cultural zenith, initiating a golden age for the thriving port-town. During this era, notable landmarks such as Cu Lao Cham Island, Cua Dai Beach, stone statues, brick wells, and remnants of tower foundations emerged.

The museum also exhibits 18 ceramic artifacts including Cham bricks, ceramic patterns, and nine paintings. Among the highlights are intricately carved statues such as the Grandhara dancer and the deity Kuberra, which embody the enigmatic Champa culture. These artifacts offer glimpses into the prosperous era of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

The Dai Viet Period, spanning from the 15th century to the 19th century

During the Dai Viet Period, starting with the reclamation and establishment of agricultural villages, the Vietnamese in Hoi An also ingeniously developed various occupations suited to the natural and social conditions of each area. Thanh Chau village specialized in harvesting Salangane nests, while Vong Nhi and De Vong fishing villages thrived on fishing and seafood processing. Craftsmanship flourished in Kim Bong carpentry village and Thanh Ha pottery village, contributing to the cultural and professional diversity of Hoi An.

Situated advantageously and benefiting from a convergence of population, cultural exchanges, and expertise from across Vietnam, Hoi An swiftly became a hub of commerce, boasting a wealth of goods and products. This facilitated the growth of internal trade and provided impetus for foreign trade, ensuring the prosperity of Hoi An’s port for centuries.

In this section, the museum presents a wealth of original artifacts and documentary images spanning Hoi An’s history. These exhibits include Vietnamese ceramics, offering a comparative glimpse with ceramics from Japan and China. Additionally, visitors can explore historical documents detailing Hoi An, ancient maps depicting the city under various names like Faifo, Haiso, and Faisfo, and tools once used in trade. Together, these displays vividly evoke the bustling and prosperous commercial port city that characterized Hoi An during the 16th to 18th centuries.

Gallery of Art

Situated on the top floor of the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, the Art Gallery showcases a diverse collection of artworks depicting Hoi An. Artists have employed various mediums including oil paints, watercolors, pigments, graphite, and more, each capturing different facets of Hoi An through the unique perspectives of the painters.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture stands as a vital destination for anyone eager to delve into the rich and varied history of Hoi An. Its comprehensive exhibits offer a deep dive into the town’s evolution from the pre-Sa Huynh era to modern times.

This concludes our overview of the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture. A visit promises insights into both the peak prosperity and eventual decline of Hoi An’s bustling port trade. Thank you for taking the time to explore our article!