1. A glance at the Geological Museum of Vietnam
- Address: 6 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8 am - 12 pm | 1 pm - 5 pm, Monday - Friday
- Phone: 090 444 8603
- Entrance fee: Free
The Geological Museum of Vietnam, under the management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and displaying geological specimens and illustrative materials. It serves as a key hub for both scientific research and public education on earth sciences and the environment.
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2. The history of the Geological Museum of Vietnam
The Geological Museum of Vietnam boasts a rich history spanning over 90 years, evolving through three distinct periods: pre-1954, from 1954 to 1975, and post-1975. Its development reflects the nation's historical changes. Here are some significant milestones in the history of the museum.
- 1914: The museum was established as part of the Geological Survey of Indochina.
- 1919 - 1928: The initial collection included 5,000 specimens from Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China.
- 1954: Specimens were relocated to Saigon, forming the Geological Museum of the Republic of Vietnam.
- 1955: The museum was renamed the Geological Museum under the General Directorate of Geology.
- 1999: The museum was expanded to three floors (1,200 square meters) with upgraded facilities and new exhibits under the Mineral Law of 1996.
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3. The exhibitions at the Geological Museum of Vietnam
The Geological Museum spans a three-story building and a courtyard. The museum boasts 655 registered specimens spread across 12 diverse collections. One of its most impressive artifacts is the fossilized femur of a Titanosaurus dinosaur, which was discovered in Laos in the 1930s.
3.1. The courtyard
Several large-sized rocks, fossils, and ore samples are exhibited outdoors, enhancing the museum's unique geological ambiance. It offers visitors a captivating glimpse into geological diversity.
3.2. The 1st floor
The first floor of the museum displays specimens and documents under the theme "Vietnam's Geological History and Our Planet." The exhibits are organized to highlight the following topics:
- Earth and the Solar System
- The geological evolution of Vietnam's territory (including lithosphere and biosphere evolution)
- Basic geological processes
- Vietnam's mineral potential
- Vietnam's geology in the global context
3.3. The 2nd floor
On the second floor, the exhibits are organized into the following categories:
- Geology of the 6 regions: Northeast Vietnam, Northwest Vietnam, North Central Vietnam, Central Highlands, South Central Vietnam, and South Vietnam.
- Vietnam's minerals
- Geological and mineral resources of the East Sea and continental shelf
- Geological and mineral maps
3.4. The 3rd floor
On the third floor, visitors can explore specialized collections that feature fossils, minerals, rocks, ores, and extensive geological publications.
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4. Other museums near the Geological Museum of Vietnam
Located right in the heart of the capital city, the Geological Museum of Vietnam is surrounded by many other enticing museums waiting to be discovered.
- The Vietnam National Museum of History, located 500 meters away from the Geological Museum, houses Vietnam's most prized artifacts. It unfolds like a book brimming with captivating historical tales.
- The Vietnam Military History Museum, located 800 meters away from the Geological Museum, preserves numerous artifacts and documents depicting the development of the Vietnamese military.
- The Vietnamese Women's Museum, located 1.2 kilometers from the Geological Museum, exhibits a vast array of documents and artifacts that celebrate the roles of women in Vietnamese society.
The Geological Museum of Vietnam stands not only as a celebrated national repository but also as a favored destination for tourists interested in nature. For those who cherish the natural world, this museum is an ideal spot to visit during your trip to Hanoi.
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