The Hue Imperial Relic Museum is a sanctuary preserving relics that encapsulate the cultural legacy of the Nguyen dynasty. Join Klook to explore this historically significant destination!
Hue, the ancient capital, has endured numerous ups and downs yet still exudes a timeless and solemn beauty. Over centuries, the Hue Imperial Relic Museum has witnessed significant changes, serving as a living witness to the golden era of the nation.
To date, the museum showcases the most artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty nationwide. These artifacts act as keys unlocking the doors of time, transporting you back to a glorious era of ancient dynasties. Join Klook Vietnam in Hue and discover this historically significant landmark!
Introduction to the Hue Imperial Relic Museum
Where is the Hue Imperial Relic Museum Located?

The Hue Imperial Antique Museum is situated at 03 Le Truc Street, Phu Hau Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien - Hue Province. Located in the heart of the ancient capital, the museum is an ideal destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
The Imperial Antique Museum is part of the Hue Imperial Citadel Heritage Complex. From here, #teamKlook can conveniently visit many other impressive historical sites such as: the Hue Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, tombs, Temple of Literature, Hon Chen Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, An Dinh Palace, and more.
How to Get to the Hue Imperial Antique Museum
Getting to Hue:
#teamKlook friends from both the North and the South can consider the following means of transportation to Hue:
- By plane: You can book flights to Phu Bai Airport (Hue) from domestic and international airports. Prices vary depending on the departure point, so it's advisable to check fares and book in advance to ensure your travel itinerary.Getting Around in Hue City:To reach the Hue Imperial Antique Museum, #teamKlook has some convenient transportation options within the city area such as:
- Motorbike: In the central area of Hue city, you can easily find shops to rent motorcycles for the day, with prices ranging from 120,000 VND to 150,000 VND. You should check the motorcycle when receiving it to ensure it is still in good working condition, ready to take you around Hue!
- Taxi: Hue is a developed city, providing excellent taxi services. You can choose from famous taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Phu Xuan Hue, Vinasun, Thanh Cong,... The starting fare for taxis is from 4,500 VND to 5,500 VND, with an average fare per trip ranging from 180,000 VND to 250,000 VND.
History of the Hue Imperial Antique Museum
The Hue Imperial Antique Museum, a witness to history that has survived through the ups and downs of the imperial capital. The centerpiece of the museum is Long An Palace, built in 1845 during the reign of King Thieu Tri. Long An Palace was once the resting and relaxation place for the king when he left the Imperial City.By 1909, during the reign of King Duy Tan, Long An Palace was used as a library for the National Academy, renamed as Tan Hoa Institute. Then, from around 1913 to 1923, Long An Palace was used to display artifacts collected by the Association of Hue Antiquities.Since then, the museum has undergone several stages with various names, from Musée Khai Dinh (1923) to Museum of Antiquities (1947), Hue Museum (1958), Exhibition House of Antiquities (1979), Hue Museum of Antiquities (1992), Royal Art Museum of Hue (1995), and currently the Hue Imperial Antique Museum.The Hue Imperial Antique Museum is not only a place to display precious cultural heritage but also an important part of the Hue Imperial Citadel Complex, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site since 1993. It is a must-visit destination for those who want to explore and understand more about the special history and culture of Hue and Vietnam in general.Ticket Prices for the Hue Imperial Antique Museum
Ticket prices for historical sites in Hue city including: the Hue Imperial Antique Museum, An Dinh Palace, and the tomb of Thieu Tri, applicable from 01.04.2023 for international and domestic tourists are as follows:- Adult ticket: 50,000 VND/ticket/site
- Children under 12 years old or under 1m4: Free
Buy Tickets for the Hue Imperial Antique Museum on Klook
Discovering the unique history and culture of Hue is easier than ever with the Klook Vietnam app. We are always ready to provide you with a convenient booking experience with special offers:- Free cancellation within 24 hours: #teamKlook can rest assured with our free cancellation and refund policy within 24 hours, allowing you to be flexible in changing plans if needed.
- Instant confirmation: After booking on Klook, you will receive instant confirmation via email or the Klook app. If you do not receive the email, you can contact us for assistance.
- Combo ticket deals: #teamKlook can book combo tickets to visit the Museum and An Dinh Palace to explore two famous destinations at attractive prices on Klook Vietnam.
Highlights at the Hue Imperial Antique Museum
1. Tracing History back to Long An Palace
The Hue Imperial Antique Museum is a place that preserves and displays many precious artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty era. Among the important places in the museum, Long An Palace stands out with a history of change and unique architecture.Long An Palace was built in 1845 during the reign of King Thieu Tri, it is one of the symbols of Nguyen court architecture and art. This is the king's private palace, used for the king to rest after the Tich Dien ceremony, or when the king left the Imperial City.King Thieu Tri passed away in 1847, Long An Palace and the architectural complex of Bao Dinh were kept intact for worship. However, after the fall of the Imperial Citadel in 1885, some of the architecture at Bao Dinh Palace along with Long An Palace were dismantled. In 1909, under King Duy Tan's reign, Long An Palace was rebuilt and used as a library for the National Academy, located on the left, outside the Imperial City. The king renamed Long An Palace to its current name, Tan Hoa Institute.Currently, Long An Palace has an area of about 1,185 square meters, including several auxiliary houses used as repositories for antiques, gardens, and various amenities. The palace is built of wood, with intricate carvings following the patterns of 'dragon, unicorn, tortoise, phoenix.' The architecture of the palace is built in the 'double-layered, round-cornered' style with 128 columns made of precious wood and carved with images of the four mythical creatures, along with Han script poems. The rows of ironwood columns surrounding the palace are placed on stone pedestals, providing a high, airy view, contributing to the overall exquisite beauty. The tile roof is made of glazed yellow tiles divided into multiple layers to reduce weight and add elegance.Entering Long An Palace, you will admire the unsanded and unpolished wooden architectural elements decorated with inlaid patterns of ivory, horn, and bone. Particularly noteworthy are the triplets, carved objects in the palace that feature many poems, including two poems 'Vu Trung Mountain and Water' and 'Phuoc Vien's Literary Gathering' arranged in a 'recurrent, interconnected' style with up to 64 different readings. These characteristics make Long An Palace stand out, making it one of the most beautiful royal architectures in Vietnam.2. Understanding More About the Nguyen Dynasty with Precious Artifacts
The Hue Imperial Antique Museum is a priceless treasure trove of Vietnamese history and culture, preserving and displaying thousands of artifacts that mark the Nguyen dynasty and ancient imperial life. With over 9,000 artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty, this museum has created a comprehensive picture, allowing #teamKlook to understand more about the life and history of the royal court in Hue.These artifacts are not only diverse in types and materials but also contain many historical and cultural values of Hue. The artifacts here reflect the cultural exchange and transformation, crafts, and arts in Hue and Vietnam during a turbulent historical period.- Explore the mesmerizing collection of bronze urns: Unveil impressive collections like the bronze urns of the Nguyen dynasty at the museum. These collections are distinguished by exquisite designs and high-quality craftsmanship, reflecting the prosperity of the royal family and the authority of the Nguyen dynasty.
Witness the Splendor of Imperial Attire: The museum houses approximately 100 sets of attire worn by kings, queens, princes, and court officials of the Nguyen dynasty. Each set of attire has its own name, color, and is worn on specific occasions. #teamKlook can delve into the cultural insights behind each costume!
Engage in Traditional Games: Hue is a hub for various aristocratic pastimes. The museum boasts at least 5 sets of traditional game equipment, with 4 sets on display and one set being a precious treasure of the Ngoc Son Princess Temple. These game sets vary in materials and forms, showcasing the intriguing courtly life.Marvel at the Ceramic Collection: With over 3,700 artifacts, the museum houses a rich collection of ceramics reflecting the evolution of ceramic art through historical periods. Particularly noteworthy are ceramics from the Ly-Tran, Le, Mac, and Nguyen dynasties. The collection also includes Chinese ceramics from the Ming-Qing and French colonial periods. This collection serves as valuable documentation for studying the history of Vietnamese ceramics.Discover the Ancient Currency Collection: The museum hosts a unique collection of ancient coins in Vietnam, covering the currency circulation from the Northern domination period to the Nguyen dynasty. This collection showcases the livelihoods of the Vietnamese people throughout historical periods and provides invaluable resources for research.Admire the Ancient Cham Artifacts: The Imperial City Museum of Hue not only exhibits artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty but also preserves many precious artifacts of the Cham people. In 1927, King Khai Dinh established the Cham Repository at the Musée Khai Dinh to display artifacts collected by the Far East Institute. Over time, the Cham Repository has significantly contributed to the immense value of the Imperial City Museum of Hue. Despite closing in 1945, the cultural heritage of the Cham people continues to be preserved here.Embark on a Journey Through History: Dive into the diverse collection of approximately 9,000 royal artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty and nearly 100 Cham artifacts at the Imperial City Museum of Hue. Explore an additional 3,000 artifacts displayed in palaces, tombs, and temples within the Hue Citadel complex. These artifacts are organized into 17 collections, presented in various themes and groups, evolving over time. Join Klook Vietnam to marvel at some precious artifacts at the museum!
Located in the heart of the ancient capital, the Imperial City Museum of Hue is a captivating destination that transports you back to the golden era of dynasties. With centuries-old artifacts and time-tinted architectures, it serves as a perfect stop for history and art enthusiasts in Vietnam. Check out more articles about Hue by Klooker for memorable experiences: '34 Famous Hue Tourist Spots for Independent Travelers,' 'Capture Moments in Hue: 16 Beautiful and Poetic Locations Not to Miss,' 'Imperial City of Hue: Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site,' 'Thien Mu Pagoda, the Most Spiritual Destination in the Ancient Capital,' '27 Hue Specialties Rich in Culinary Essence of the Former Capital,' 'Explore a Fairy Tale-Like Bach Ma Village,'...Take a Trip Down Memory Lane: Explore the vast historical treasure trove at the Imperial City Museum of Hue with Klook!Join Klook on a journey through time to rediscover the immense historical treasure at the Imperial City Museum of Hue!