Vietnam Museum of Literature: Opening hours, tickets & more

1. Overview of Vietnam Museum of Literature

1.1. History and location

The construction of the Vietnam Museum of Literature officially began in 2005 on a campus spanning 3,600 square meters, with the exhibition area covering 2,700 square meters. After a decade of development, the museum opened its doors on June 26, 2015.

The museum, located at No. 275 Au Co, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, is approximately 6.2 kilometers north of Hanoi's city center. In the 1960s and 1970s, this site was home to the Quang Ba Writing School of the Vietnam Writers Association, preserving many memories of renowned writers and poets.

You can reach the Vietnam Museum of Literature by taxi, bus, or motorbike. Several bus routes pass through 275 Au Co Street in Tay Ho District, including routes 31, 33, 41, 55, and 58.

1.2. Opening hours and ticket prices

Vietnamese Museum of Literature welcomes visitors during two separate sessions each day. In the morning, the museum is open from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm, allowing ample time for guests to explore its exhibits. After a brief break, the museum reopens in the afternoon from 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm, offering another opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in its collections.

*The museum is open every day of the week (Monday to Sunday). The opening schedule for holidays and the New Year will be announced separately.

For your convenience, please refer to the table below for detailed information on  ticket prices for different groups of visitors:

*Note:

• A 50% reduction on the entrance fee is available for eligible groups, including senior citizens and individuals with severe disabilities, in accordance with current regulations.
• Additional fees include 15,000 VND per camera for taking photos and 30,000 VND per camera for video recording.

2. Map of Vietnam Museum of Literature

The Vietnam Museum of Literature features two main exhibition areas: indoor and outdoor.

2.1. Outdoor exhibition

This section highlights Vietnamese folk literature, brought to life through ceramic reliefs decorating the museum's exterior and a collection of 20 statues representing literary figures from ancient and medieval periods.

2.2. Indoor exhibition

Spanning over 2,000 square meters, this area preserves and displays thousands of artifacts. It showcases the historical development of Vietnamese literature from the Ly Dynasty to the present, featuring many valuable items related to renowned writers. 

Among them are extraordinary poets such as Nguyen Du, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Dinh Thi, Xuan Dieu, poet To Huu, writer Nam Cao, and cultural icon and national liberation hero Nguyen Trai. Each artifact tells emotional and fascinating stories about the lives and creative journeys of these literary figures.

The indoor exhibition space is thoughtfully designed across three main floors, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors. Each level presents a diverse range of exhibits, allowing guests to explore the museum’s collections in a well-organized and engaging manner. In addition to these main sections, the Vietnam Museum of Literature also includes a special thematic gallery and a cultural exploration space focused on Vietnamese rural cultural life.

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3. Unmissable highlights of Vietnam Museum of Literature

3.1. On the first floor

Centering the museum is a sacred pen-shaped stone brought from Hung Temple, placed on a Dong Son bronze drum, and accompanied by an inscription from "The Tale of Kieu" by Nguyen Du. The first floor mainly showcases the evolution of Vietnamese literature from the 10th to the 19th centuries.

Visitors will be in awe of the collection of Vietnamese handwriting artifacts crafted on diverse materials, from “dó” paper to wood and metal. For instance, key exhibits include the poem "Nam Quoc Son Ha”, which showcases the artistry of Vietnamese calligraphy.

In addition, Nguyen Du's writing space, complete with his table and chairs, offers a personal glimpse into the life of this renowned poet. Furthermore, the "Memories of Examinations" area vividly recreates historical exam scenes, providing a fascinating insight into the scholarly traditions of the past.

3.2. On the second floor

On the second floor, you will find a rich array of artifacts and documents from early 20th-century authors and Ho Chi Minh Prize winners. Plus, you can explore personal memorabilia from influential literary figures such as Ho Chi Minh, Phan Boi Chau, and Tan Da, alongside notable writers known for their contributions to critical realism, revolutionary literature, and romance. Among the distinguished honorees are Phan Tu, Nguyen Quang Sang, Nguyen Khai, Anh Duc, Chinh Huu, Nguyen Minh Chau, Van Cao, and Luu Quang Vu. 

Additionally, the floor features a detailed model of the Choi Village complex, which served as the Vietnam Arts Association's headquarters during the resistance war against the French.

3.3. On the third floor

The museum's third floor begins with exhibition areas dedicated to writers who won the State Prize for literature and art during the anti-French colonial period. It also features literature from South Central Vietnam and North and South writers. 

Additionally, visitors can explore displays highlighting the Truong Son complex, showcase figures like the poet Pham Tien Duat, and learn about the Vietnam Writers Association's congresses.

4. Basic info about Vietnam Literature Museum tours

The Vietnam Museum of Literature offers a unique “Chu Tam, Chu Tai” literary tour every Saturday and Sunday evening to enhance public awareness and interest in the country’s literature. The tour provides an immersive experience where visitors view the museum's extensive literary artifacts and listen to detailed explanations and stories about each exhibit. 

Moreover, performances featuring excerpts from literary works enrich the tour, prompting reflections on the lives and writings of the authors and the cultural significance of Vietnam's literature. This initiative aims to bring the literary heritage closer to contemporary life.

Tour schedule:

• Days: Every Saturday and Sunday evening
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Additional options: Flexible scheduling is available for separate groups.

For those who intend to join the literary tour during your Hanoi itinerary, kindly contact the Vietnam Museum of Literature's Facebook page or call the hotline at 086 505 1179.

5. Extra tips for first-time visitors to the museum

Here are some extra tips to enhance your experience as a first-time visitor to the Vietnam Museum of Literature:

• When visiting the Vietnam Museum of Literature, start by purchasing tickets at the ticket office and presenting them at the entrance to the exhibition hall.
• If you are visiting as a group or require a tour guide, please contact the Information Department in advance to arrange your visit smoothly.
• For filming, photography, or document exploitation, ensure you have an official dispatch or letter of introduction and contact the Information Department beforehand.
• If you have questions or need suggestions, write them in the comment book or speak directly with the professional staff at the main entrance desk of the exhibition hall.
• Please refrain from bringing weapons, flammable substances, explosives, or toxic substances into the exhibition hall. 
• Store your belongings, excluding money and jewelry, in the museum's lockers.
• During your visit, maintain general hygiene by avoiding smoking, eating, drinking, making noise, or touching artifacts and display equipment.

The Vietnam Museum of Literature stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Vietnamese literature. The museum preserves and celebrates the nation's vibrant literary traditions through its exhibits and artifacts, spanning from ancient manuscripts to modern literary works. Hopefully, this article has provided all the necessary information to help you better prepare for your trip!

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