Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities: Keep many artifacts of the Nguyen Dynasty

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Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, the first museum in Hue, showcases highly valuable collections that reflect the material life and ideologies of the noble class in the past. For those who love exploring and learning about the history of the Nguyen dynasty in particular and Vietnam in general, this place should be on the list of perfect places to visit in Hue.

1. Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities: Location and names

• Location: 03 Le Truc street, Phu Hau ward, Hue city.

Royal fine arts museum Hue on the map (Source: Minh Chau)

Below are several special features about the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities tourists should know before the trip.

There is nothing in this place but fresh air and a peaceful place. The museum is spread across a vast 6,330 square meter area, with the main building occupying 1,185 square meters. The main building, built in 1845 on the banks of the Ngu Ha river, was named Long An at that time. It is easy to understand why visitors who opt to stay at this particular spot can feel relaxed because this palace was originally built as a resting place totally isolated from the outside for King Thieu Tri. 

Later, the palace became the library of the Quoc Tu Giam school during the reign of King Duy Tan in 1909.

In 1923, Nam Trieu relocated the entire collection of books and documents from this library to a row of buildings on the left side of Di Luan Street within the grounds of the Quoc Tu Giam School.

Valuable document of Nguyen Dynasty in showcase in Hue (Source: Phuoc Tuan)

The majority of the collection in Hue museum of royal antiquities comprises so many precious items from various materials. Although the number and quality of these antiquities have dwindled over time due to the ups and downs of history, the remaining pieces still play an important role in the rich heritage and culture of Hue. Any visitor to the museum is bound to be captivated by the knowledge and treasures that await them.

Originally named Musee’ Khai Dinh, it had undergone several name changes over the years before it was officially named Hue museum of royal antiquities, including: Hue museum of antiquities (1947), Hue museum, antiquities gallery (1979), Hue antiquities museum (1992) and royal fine arts museum Hue (1995).

2. Opening hours and ticket fee of Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

If you are planning a trip to the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, the following opening time and ticket fees will definitely boost your preparation. 

Opening hours of the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum are from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, with adjusted hours of 7:00 am to 5:00 pm during the winter season. 

Admission tickets cost only 150,000 VND for adults and 50,000 VND for children, which already includes access to the imperial city of Hue. The price is also a competitive edge for the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts among other tourist attractions in Hue Vietnam. 

The beauty of the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities under sunlight (Source: Collected)

3. The best ways to get to Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities is located within the Hue Imperial City, easily accessible by motorbike or taxi. 

There are many shops offering daily motorbike rentals at prices ranging from 120,000 VND to 150,000 VND. They will deliver the motorbike directly to your hotel. It is important to have identification papers, check the fuel level, and have the vehicle ready before starting your journey.

A group of foreigners seeks adventure on motorbikes (Source: Collected)

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for the day to make getting around and sightseeing more convenient. The cost for each ride is around 80,000 VND. In Hue, luxury taxi services with friendly and enthusiastic drivers are readily available to serve you whenever you need them. 

4. Things to explore in Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

4.1. The overall architecture of the museum

The way ancient people chose the Long An Palace as a museum is very wise. It is a stunning architectural masterpiece made of rare ironwood and built in the unique ancient palace style which is called “double roof, duplex house”. The palace is designed with 128 columns following a “double turtle shell and spiral” style. Its interior and exterior decorations are incredibly rich in artistic value. The roof and eaves of the museum are adorned with the “two dragons fighting for a pearl” and “four holy creatures: dragon, unicorn, tortoise, and phoenix” motifs. This place is considered “the most magnificent building in the palace class of Vietnam” by many art researchers.

4.2. Precious artifacts of the Nguyen Dynasty

Today, there are numerous hundreds-of-year-old artifacts displayed at this museum of antiquity.

Visitors to the Hue imperial city museum of antiquities can marvel at hundreds of rare artifacts, such as the golden throne, royal palanquin, dragon bed, imperial robes, empress’s jewelry, queen’s footwear, lacquer cabinets, royal poetry paintings, porcelain, silverware, and bronzeware. These exquisite handicrafts were made by the skilled hands of former artisans on order, so they are limited,  truly rare, and exceptional treasures.

The golden throne of the Nguyen dynasty at the museum (Source: Collected)

Alongside the showcased treasures, the museum houses a vast collection of thousands of other artifacts. The most notable of these is the delicate blue-glazed porcelain, widely recognized as “Bleu de Hue” or “Phap Lam Hue” antiques.

Within the museum’s grounds, there is also another separate storage house that contains over 80 Champa artifacts collected from the ancient Chau O and Chau Ly regions, and excavated from Tra Kieu during archaeological excavations in 1927.

Champa artifacts have been carefully preserved in mint condition until now (Source: Collected)

When planning your trip to Hue, do not miss the chance to explore the nearby cities of Hoi An and Da Nang. These two cities have a lot to offer, from cultural experiences to natural wonders and modern attractions.

Da Nang is a modern and dynamic city that has something for everyone. You can enjoy stunning views of the city and the sea from the Marble Mountains or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of My Khe Beach. For those who want an adrenaline rush, the Linh Ung pagoda awaits you. In addition, Dragon Bridge sprays water and fire every weekend night. 

Da Nang shimmering in a night (Source: Collected)

In Hoi An, on the other hand, you will be transported back in time as you step down the ancient town’s streets. You will marvel at the well-preserved 15th to 19th-century buildings like Cantonese Assembly Hall, the beautiful beaches like An Bang, and the sights and sounds of the bustling town. You can visit the local markets, temples, and museums to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture.

Cantonese Assembly Hall in Hoi An ancient town (Source: Collected)

But no trip to the area is complete without a visit to VinWonders Nam Hoi An. This world-class amusement park offers a variety of attractions, from thrilling rides to cultural shows and interactive exhibits such as Island of Folk Culture, Adventure Land, Harbor Corner, Water World, and River Safari. You can also indulge in local cuisine and shop for souvenirs at the park’s many stores. Whether you are traveling with family or friends, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a must-visit destination that will make your trip to the area unforgettable. 

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is an interesting amusement park in Hoi An

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If you are looking for a place to stay that offers both luxury and comfort, you might want to consider Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. This hotel and resort is part of the Vinpearl chain, which is known for its exceptional service and facilities. Imagine waking up to a stunning ocean view from your room, enjoying a hearty breakfast, and spending the day lounging by the pool or exploring the nearby attractions. You can also indulge in the spas and wellness centers to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

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Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past. Its impressive collection of artifacts and objects, combined with its beautiful architecture and rich history, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vietnamese culture and history.

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