Quang Ninh Museum – An indispensable destination for Ha Long trip

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Discover a not-to-be-missed museum in Quang Ninh (Source: Collected)

Quang Ninh Museum, situated along the enchanting coastal road of Tran Quoc Nghien Street, stands as a cultural gem in the embrace of the spectacular Ha Long Bay. Just 7 kilometers from the heart of the city, this museum offers a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Quang Ninh Province’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Your Vietnam travel itinerary would not be complete without a visit to Quang Ninh Museum.

1. About the establishment of Quang Ninh Museum

The Quang Ninh Provincial Museum was established on September 2, 1960. It was originally named the Hong Quang Museum of History and Revolution and was located at 5B Cau Cao, Hon Gai Town. On October 30, 1963, Hong Quang Area merged with Hai Ninh Province to form Quang Ninh Province, and the Hong Quang Museum of History and Revolution was renamed Quang Ninh Provincial Museum, or more commonly known as Quang Ninh Museum.

In 1990, the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province designated the premises of the Quang Ninh Import-Export Company as the site for the Quang Ninh Provincial Museum, located at 165 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ha Long City.

Fast forward to 2012, with the keen interest of the Provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, and People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, construction investment for the Quang Ninh Museum commenced, culminating in its official inauguration on October 13, 2013.

Currently, the Quang Ninh Museum is a provincial-level cultural facility located in the center of the 30/10 Square, overlooking the beautiful Ha Long Bay. With knowledgeable personnel, well-constructed structures, and well-preserved exhibits, the Quang Ninh Museum has been ranked as a Type I museum in the Vietnamese museum system.

Quang Ninh Museum was established in 1960 (Source: Collected)

2. The unique architecture of Quang Ninh Museum

The Quang Ninh Museum stands out as a distinctive architectural masterpiece within the province’s landscape. Crafted by the skilled Spanish architect Salvador Perez Arroyo, this museum, alongside the Quang Ninh Library, showcases a unique design concept inspired by the iconic image of coal, a mineral synonymous with Quang Ninh. This museum, together with the Quang Ninh Library, was designed by experienced Spanish architect Salvador Perez Arroyo and features a distinctive design concept inspired by the iconic image of coal, a resource connected with Quang Ninh. 

Perez Arroyo’s creative vision not only pays homage to the region’s characteristic mineral but also secured the prestigious Construction of the Year award in 2013.

One of the captivating features of this architectural gem lies in its exterior, where large mirrors are strategically placed, reflecting the breathtaking imagery of Ha Long Bay. The incorporation of these reflective elements not only enhances the visual appeal of the structure but also establishes a symbolic connection with the surrounding natural beauty, creating a harmonious blend of art and environment.

A beautiful museum in Ha Long (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover: Things to do in Ha Long Bay: 27 incredible ideas to include in your trip

3. What does Quang Ninh Museum showcase?

3.1. Exterior exhibits in Quang Ninh Museum

The exterior exhibits at the Quang Ninh Museum showcase a remarkable collection of large-scale artifacts. Among these are a rocket launcher platform, long-range artillery, Gatling guns, cannons, statues, and more. 

Notably, the outdoor exhibition includes a massive block of anthracite coal, weighing around 28 tons. This colossal coal block was extracted from a depth of minus 176 meters, setting a record acknowledged by Guinness Vietnam as the largest intact block of layered coal (anthracite) in the country.

3.2. Interior exhibits in Quang Ninh Museum

The interior exhibits at the Quang Ninh Museum offer a captivating journey through two distinct blocks: the museum block and the conference block.

Museum block: Spanning three floors, the museum block is the museum’s designated permanent exhibition space.

• First floor: This floor is all about biodiversity, natural resources, and fishing tools and techniques for marine products in Quang Ninh. Visitors can discover the distinctive fauna of Quang Ninh, explore diverse geological formations, and gain insights into the fishing practices employed by local fishermen. 
• Second floor: This floor, resembling a colossal boat, serves as a unique setting for the display of archaeological treasures from prehistoric times to the Dai Viet era. The artifacts hold immense historical and cultural value, affirming the extensive history of Ha Long’s culture spanning thousands of years. In addition, there are: 
  • Revolutionary & Resistance Exhibit Area: Though modest in size, this area presents artifacts intimately tied to the people and military of Quang Ninh during the Resistance against the French and the American War. Visitors can encounter historical relics and symbols reflecting the indomitable spirit of the people and military of Quang Ninh in their struggle against external invaders.
  • Yen Tu – Tran Dynasty Exhibit Area: Comprising two dedicated spaces for Yen Tu and the Tran Dynasty, this area unfolds a vivid depiction of a flourishing period in the culture, architecture, and art of the Tran Dynasty.
  • Antiquities Room: A curated collection of Vietnamese relics from Quang Ninh Province is on display in the Antiquities Room. These were brought in by neighboring nations through extensive historical trade and fierce protection of the homeland.
• Third floor: Comprising three main exhibition spaces:
  • Coal industry history: Recreates the history of coal mining in Quang Ninh through images and original artifacts. It features a model of the inaugural coal mining ceremony, an overview of open-pit coal mining, and a reconstructed model of underground coal mining spaces.
  • Culture of ethnic groups in Quang Ninh: Explores the diverse cultures of the ethnic groups in Quang Ninh. Visitors can find images and artifacts depicting the life, culture, and labor practices of these ethnic groups.
  • Uncle Ho with the people of Quang Ninh: Connected to the previous exhibition, this section provides a detailed and vivid presentation of Uncle Ho’s interactions and commemorations with the people of diverse ethnic groups in Quang Ninh.

Conference block: Besides the above, Quang Ninh Museum also has a conference block, which includes: 

• First floor: A specialized space for occasional exhibitions and hosting events, conferences, and seminars.
• Mezzanine: An area highlighting the sovereignty of the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa archipelagos.
• Second floor: A space showcasing antiquities from Vietnam and other countries.

Explore Quang Ninh Museum (Source: Collected)

>>> Explore: North Vietnam Itinerary: TOP places and tips for a memorable journey

4. Information about Quang Ninh Museum that visitors should know

4.1. Opening hours and ticket fee of Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum operates every day of the week, from 8 to 12 in the morning and 12 to 5 in the evening. If you want to visit the museum outside of these hours, you must reach out to the museum two days in advance. 

Here’s how much it costs to enter:

• Adults: 40,000 VND/person 
• Students: 20,000 VND/person 
• Kids: 10,000 VND/person 

4.2. Regulations of Quang Ninh Museum

While visiting Quang Ninh Museum, there are a few important things visitors should keep in mind: 

• Present your ticket to the staff for inspection before entering the museum.
• Dress appropriately and behave courteously. Walk lightly and speak softly to avoid causing disturbance to others around you.
• Contact and register for a guide at the museum’s reception desk. Follow the instructions of the guide and the signs throughout the museum.
• Maintain cleanliness and preserve the environmental landscape of the museum. No smoking, bringing food or drinks, weapons, flammable or hazardous materials, prohibited national goods, or cultural items into the museum.
• Refrain from touching or reaching out to artifacts, leaning on glass cases, writing or drawing on exhibits, climbing, stepping, sitting, or lying on pedestals, benches, and other museum equipment.

Other things to keep in mind: 

• Children under 7 years old or under 1.2 meters tall must be accompanied by an adult who guides them, ensuring they do not run, jump, disrupt order, or eat within the museum.
• Visitors intending to film, take photos, or engage in any recording for commemorative purposes or for any purpose other than souvenir-keeping must obtain approval from the museum. It is best to avoid using flash photography and maintain a distance from the artifacts, even if you are granted permission to capture photos.
• Tour guides must wear identification badges when leading groups into the museum. Foreign tour guides are not allowed to provide explanations to visitors within the museum.
• Visitors are financially responsible for any damage caused to the museum.

Keep certain things in mind while visiting Quang Ninh Museum (Source: Collected)

4.3. How to get to Quang Ninh Museum?

From the city center, you can hop on a taxi to get to Quang Ninh Museum. It is only 7 kilometers away, so the ride is about 10 minutes. If you are coming from Tuan Chau Island, the distance will be 30 kilometers, and if you are traveling from Van Don Airport, it will be roughly 59 kilometers. Taxis, a fast and convenient transport option, are available in both cases.

After exploring Quang Ninh Museum, you can unwind at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, which offers a selection of luxurious rooms complemented by spectacular views. With an array of world-class amenities, such as a swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, bar, etc., and dedicated services, your stay will be nothing short of extraordinary. 

Stay at Vinpearl after your exploration of Quang Ninh Museum and enjoy ultimate relaxation

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Aside from Ha Long, while in Vietnam, you can visit Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc to experience the diverse facets of Vietnam. There are many museums across these destinations as well. 

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, check out VinWonders’ system of entertainment complexes scattered across Vietnam, including VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. Their thrilling games and vibrant performances will surely make your time in these prominent cities even more memorable. 

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Quang Ninh Museum weaves together the threads of history, art, and natural splendor along the scenic shores of Ha Long Bay. With its strategic location, just a stone’s throw away from the city center, the museum beckons travelers to delve into the rich heritage of Quang Ninh Province. From the captivating exhibits that chronicle the province’s past to the vibrant expressions of its present, Quang Ninh Museum serves as a dynamic testament to Vietnam’s cultural tapestry. Do not miss out on it while you are Ha Long!