Buzz
Throughout the length of history, women have always been a significant and abundant force in shaping societies. Their crucial role is evident in every aspect of life. If a family is considered the cell of society, then women are regarded as its nucleus. Women, in any era, nationality, or country, always hold a vital role in preserving and innovating the traditional cultures of each ethnicity. In Hanoi, there is a museum that fully demonstrates the essential role and elements of women, both past and present, and that is the Vietnamese Women's Museum.
The Museum of Vietnamese Women
The Vietnamese Women's Museum in Hanoi is a destination with a wealth of historical value as well as impressive exhibition displays. Exploring the museum will provide an opportunity to learn about the beauty of Vietnamese women and appreciate the role of 'the fair sex, yet not weak.'
1. Since when has the Vietnamese Women's Museum existed?
Established in 1987, the museum belongs to the Vietnam Women's Union.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Dinh, the former chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Union, laid the foundation for the museum's establishment. It houses artifacts, documents, and significant evidence of women from the past and present. This project is seen as a promise to Vietnamese women by Ms. Nguyen Thi Dinh. The museum is located in the heart of the capital, at 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. This is also a beautiful, ancient street with many French-style architectural works.
Souvenir gift shop on the 1st floor
The museum's construction commenced in 1991. By 1995, it officially opened its doors to visitors. By the end of 2010, with a fresh new look and a system of regular exhibitions, the museum reopened. The museum features three main themes: Women in the Family, Women in History, Women's Fashion, and finally, a special exhibition on Mother Worship, consisting of four main topics: Motherhood, Mind, Beauty, and Joy.
Outside the museum
The museum has also developed collections with around 40,000 documents and artifacts related to Vietnamese women. In addition to regular exhibition systems, the museum also organizes many specialized exhibitions with new approaches, fully reflecting the development and changes of contemporary society with projects targeting various groups, especially women and children.
2. Exhibition space narrating the stories of women in the family
This space tells the story of women from entering married life to fulfilling the role of motherhood and finally becoming wives capable of organizing family life among different ethnic groups. Traditional values are reflected through customs, rituals, intellectual pursuits, and folk experiences in marriage. Childbirth and family care are also clearly depicted.
The ritual of worshiping ancestors
The traditional wedding ceremonies of Vietnamese ethnic groups in matriarchal and patriarchal societies are represented through paintings, photographs, and presentations. Illustrations of ceremonies include items such as engagement gifts, wedding attire, and wedding invitations. Finally, everyday life equipment and historical devices are displayed here, demonstrating the importance of women in the family.
A traditional wedding ceremony
Presentations depicting the life of women
Walking towards the west door of the family space leads to an exhibition displaying Mother Worship beliefs in a mystical and authentic space. This traditional beauty is expressed in three aspects: Pure Heart - Beauty - Happiness.
Mother Worship beliefs
The museum also showcases the vibrant spiritual beliefs of the Mother Goddess religion. Mother Worship beliefs have also been recognized by UNESCO as one of the intangible cultural heritages in need of preservation.
Costumes symbolizing each Saint
Hau Dong orchestra
3. The story of women in history
The third-floor space of the museum showcases the brave images of Vietnamese women in the resistance wars against French colonialism and the American empire. These historical women sacrificed themselves to participate and establish a solid rear support for the frontline.
Images of women during wartime
Here, numerous portraits of heroic Vietnamese mothers are displayed. The walls are adorned with many posters and propaganda images about wars. Additionally, there is a small corner showcasing images of modern-day women.
Portraits of heroic Vietnamese mothers
Spaces divided into various time periods
The exhibition space not only focuses on introducing the role of women in different generations but also touches upon every aspect of women's daily lives during the resistance period. Many stories about their lives, contributions, sacrifices, and losses for the nation's independence and unity are depicted. Images of contemporary Vietnamese women with humane qualities, determination, courage, and enthusiasm are portrayed through short films.
4. Women's fashion
All distinctive costumes of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam are displayed on the 4th floor of the museum. Based on their hairstyles and attire, you can tell whether they are married or not. I was truly amazed by the art of makeup, silver jewelry making, and exquisite weaving techniques.
Costumes of women from the Central Highlands
Here, various styles of Ao Dai from different historical periods to modern times are displayed, along with the tradition of black teeth dyeing - an ancient tradition of Vietnamese women. There is also an area where visitors can try wrapping scarves in the traditional style.
Women from the Mekong Delta and Northern Vietnam
Costumes of Vietnamese women
Adjacent to the museum is a cultural exhibition area showcasing artworks from around the world. Vietnam has made great efforts to preserve its traditional values and promote international cultural exchanges. This provides Vietnamese youth with opportunities to learn about traditional characteristics and broaden their cultural knowledge.
When visiting the Vietnamese Women's Museum, please note the following:
The Vietnamese Women's Museum is one of the most captivating tourist destinations in Hanoi, ranking among the top 25 museums in Asia and consistently named in TripAdvisor's list of top museums to visit. Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the qualities and lives of Vietnamese women throughout different historical periods, with a rich and diverse exhibition system. Their precious and simple beauty is vividly portrayed, highlighting their roles and introducing these cultural values to the world.
Author: Tran Thi Nhu Quynh
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program that introduces beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a collaborator with Mytour. For more details about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
