Vietnam
Historical and Cultural Space | VIETNAM MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM
Grand Ceramic is proud to be selected as the tile supplier for the Vietnam Military History Museum – a project of great historical and cultural significance. This is not only an honor but also a testament to the quality and reputation of Grand Ceramic in the construction materials industry.
The new look of the Vietnam Military History Museum features a prominent museum building with a front yard and a Victory Tower standing 45 meters tall. The museum complex consists of a 4-story building with an additional ground floor, covering a construction area of 23,198 m². The total floor area of the main building is 64,640 m², with an overall height of 35.8 meters.
On the right and left sides of the museum are outdoor exhibition areas. On the left, the exhibits display weapons and equipment used by the Vietnam Army and people during the resistance against French colonialism, American imperialism, as well as those used in training and preparing for national defense during the period of building and protecting the country. Notable items include: the 85mm cannon, 57mm anti-aircraft gun, PT67 tank with the serial number 555, MiG 17 aircraft with the serial number 2047, and the SU22 aircraft.
On the right side of the museum, the exhibition showcases weapons and equipment used by the French and American armies during the Vietnam War. Notable items include various types of artillery, infantry fighting vehicles, and tanks. A highlight is the M-107 self-propelled artillery with a 175mm caliber, dubbed the "King of the Battlefield," along with numerous aircraft left behind by the American forces after the war, such as the A37, F5E, CH47, and C130. Additionally, there are dozens of types of bombs used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.
In the space on both wings of the building, there is a symbolic structure representing the aspiration for peace, featuring branches, green sprouts, and doves soaring upwards from the wreckage of an aircraft.
This exhibition symbolizes Vietnam's desire for peace and highlights its understanding of the value of peace with countries around the world. The globe and reflective panels showcase the history of Vietnam’s nation-building and defense, from the era of the Hùng Kings and An Dương Vương to the 20th century. It affirms that, since ancient times, the Vietnamese people have longed for peace and have accepted immense hardships and sacrifices to achieve independence, freedom, and a prosperous, happy life for the nation.
Beyond the main hall is the display of the "Silver Swallow" MiG-21, serial number 4324. What impresses and surprises visitors is the giant MiG-21 suspended from cables attached to the ceiling, creating the sensation of the aircraft soaring into the sky, ready to protect the nation's airspace. This exhibit is complemented by a large LED screen showcasing the beauty of Vietnam and providing content about the history, culture, and the traditions of building and defending the nation.
During the resistance against the U.S. invasion, a total of 9 pilots flew the "Silver Swallow" MiG-21, serial number 4324. The aircraft participated in 69 sorties, encountered enemy forces 22 times, engaged in combat 16 times, and shot down 14 U.S. aircraft. The fuselage of the MiG-21 bears 14 red stars, symbolizing the 14 enemy planes that were downed. This aircraft was officially recognized as a National Treasure by the Prime Minister of Vietnam on January 14, 2015.
The exhibition space on the first floor of the museum is divided into six main themes:
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Theme 1: The Early Years of Nation-Building and Defense
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Theme 2: Defending Independence from 939 to 1858
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Theme 3: Resistance Against French Colonialism, Struggling for National Independence from 1858 to 1945
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Theme 4: The Resistance Against French Colonialism, 1945 - 1954
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Theme 5: The Resistance Against American Imperialism, 1954 to 1975
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Theme 6: Building and Defending the Nation from 1976 to the Present Day.
The themes are arranged in chronological order with a logical layout. Each artifact is accompanied by detailed captions and event information. Additionally, there is a diverse range of presentation methods, including written texts, information lookup screens, media photo materials, self-guided audioguides, and QR codes for retrieving information about the artifacts and images.
The exhibition space for Theme 4 not only displays artifacts but also features lively dioramas in a 1:1 scale, recreating the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi's streets during the 60 days and nights of fighting to protect the capital after President Ho Chi Minh's call for nationwide resistance.
During the tour, visitors will gradually move through the 6 exhibition areas, each corresponding to one of the six themes. The layout is organized in chronological order, allowing guests to follow the historical timeline and gain a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam's struggles for independence and its journey of nation-building.
The 105mm artillery piece from Battery 806, a 105mm ground artillery gun, serial number 14683, was manufactured by the U.S. and supplied to the French. It was captured by the Vietnamese Army during the battle for Nghĩa Lộ in the 1952 Northwest Campaign. This artillery piece was one of the first to fire salvo rounds, unleashing a storm of fire on the French forces during the battle of the Him Lam stronghold on March 13, 1954, marking the beginning of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign.
The Hien Luong Bridge is a "symbol" of the division between North and South Vietnam and is closely associated with the struggle for national liberation and reunification of the Vietnamese people during the resistance against American imperialist aggression. It also marks the starting point of Theme 5: The Resistance Against the U.S. from 1954 to 1975.
The sculpture "Southern Land Fist" was created by sculptor Pham Xuan Thi in 1955.
The artifacts are arranged aesthetically, highlighting the main themes of each section while enhancing the overall narrative and message of the exhibition.
The unique display methods provide visitors with new and engaging experiences, offering an immersive and interactive way to explore the history and significance of the exhibits.
The exhibition area showcasing the National Treasure MiG-21 aircraft, serial number 5121, along with the air defense systems, highlights their role in the victory of "Dien Bien Phu in the Sky" during December 1972. Major General, People's Armed Forces Hero Pham Tuan once piloted this MiG-21 and shot down a B-52 bomber on the night of December 27, 1972. This aircraft had downed five American planes, and pilots Dinh Ton and Vu Dinh Rang had also flown this aircraft during significant missions.
The spacious area of the new museum not only displays artifacts but also introduces many valuable documentary images about important meetings that determined the success of the Vietnamese revolution. It showcases the process of organizing and conducting battles by various units, providing visitors with a comprehensive and detailed view of these significant events.
The museum utilizes high-tech projection screens, along with films, diagrams, models, and dioramas to illustrate key battles and campaigns, such as the Dien Bien Phu Campaign (1954) and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign (1975). These multimedia tools provide visitors with an immersive and vivid understanding of these historic events.
During the resistance against the U.S., the T-54B tank from Company 4, Battalion 1, Brigade 203, Armored Division 2 participated in the liberation of Huế and Da Nang, and then continued to play a key role in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. On April 30, 1975, this tank led the formation into Saigon. On its way to the Independence Palace, it destroyed three enemy tanks and armored vehicles. At 11:00 AM, Tank 843 rammed into the side gate of the Independence Palace but stalled. Captain Bui Quang Than, commander of Company 4, who was leading Tank 843, was the one who raised the flag on top of the Independence Palace, symbolizing the victory and reunification of Vietnam.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Le, Deputy Director of the Museum, introduced the legendary T-54B tank, serial number 843, to the officials from the Propaganda Department and the Museum of Military History of the Lao People's Army. This tank was recognized by the state as a National Treasure in 2012.
The Vietnam Military History Museum is currently open to expert groups in the field of museums and pre-registered visitors. The museum will open to the public starting on November 1, 2024.
Excerpt from Vietnam People's Army Newspaper
Photo report
Modern Exhibition Space Inside the Vietnam Military History Museum
October 4, 2024