Nguyen Van Huyen Museum

The museum of the late Minister of Education, Nguyen Van Uyen, was created in his hometown, Lai Xa village, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, by all of his relatives.

On an area of around 150 square meters, the Nguyen Van Uyen museum displays nearly 400 objects, documentary photographs, original manuscripts, and a variety of pens with distinctive personalities that have been carefully preserved by the family. These are his dissertation records from Paris, his study papers from the Far Eastern School (France), his correspondence, music players, library cards, and administrative records from the resistance struggle against the French and the war against the United States. Alongside Mr. Uyen’s mementos are Ms. Vi Kim Ngoc’s memorabilia: diaries she wrote about her husband, children, and grandkids, drawings, records from her time as a technician at Hanoi Medical University, letters, and even daily expense books… There are additional antiquities from the 1970s and 1980s. The majority of the items originate from the first half of the 20th century, with some from the late 19th century. Through images, letter excerpts, diaries, and videos, a number of authentic and poignant stories are presented, including the voices of children speaking about their parents and families, as well as the comments of many friends and coworkers of grandparents.

Family foundation (1st floor), Parents’ youth (2nd floor), Our father – a scientist (3rd level), and Our father – an action person (4th floor) are the four main themes that are displayed on the four floors of the building (4th floor).

In addition, from the terrace, guests will have a panoramic view of Lai Xa history and present. This area connects the museum with the village’s artifacts and culture. From there, travelers can continue their exploration of Lai Xa’s culture and traditions.

Nguyen Van Uyen Museum’s display was developed by architect Véronique DOLLFUS (France) in collaboration with graphic designers Patrick HOARAU (France) and Pham Dam Ca, and has a very distinctive style. Each theme is represented by its own color. Each gallery consists of a succession of vibrantly organized hues. Graphics and colors (of display devices, objects, enormous photographs, and videotapes…) are handled with care, resulting in a museum that is vibrant, uncomplicated, yet warm, intimate, and as harmonic as a family environment. In addition to Vietnamese, the exhibition’s key material is also presented in English and French.

The Museum is located in a “memory garden” containing flora that are reminiscent of Mr. Uyen and Ms. Ngoc, such as panicles, crocodiles, whips, lemons, and papaya. A brick walkway reclaimed from the former home of Pham Thi Ty (the mother of Mr. Huan).

The majority of the rare volumes in this collection were published in the first half of the 20th century. They are written in Chinese, French, and Vietnamese and cover a variety of academic disciplines, including ethnography, history, and geography. The library is also a gathering spot for family, friends, and guests, where students engage in educational activities.

The descendants of Mr. Uyen and Ms. Ngoc wish to communicate the narrative of their parents and grandparents through the exhibition. In addition to constructing the Nguyen Wan Uyen Museum, the family wishes for the public to understand that the life, as well as the documents and recollections of a person and a family, adds to a better knowledge of the history, society, and culture of a time period and a country.

The preservation and preservation of each individual’s and family’s records and artifacts will form the local and national history. The fact that the Nguyen Van Uyen Museum – a tiny but high-quality museum – demonstrates that the museum will deliver several advantages to society is undeniable.

Nguyen Van Uyen Museum welcomes visitors every Saturday and Sunday, from 9h until 16h30. On weekdays, the Museum is open to scheduled visitors.