Southern Women’s Museum: Where stories of women come alive

Contents

1. A glance at the Southern Women’s Museum

• Address: 200-202 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• Ticket price: Free

The Southern Women’s Museum is a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Established in 1985, the Southern Women’s Museum has become a prominent cultural attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as the Southern Women’s Traditional House, the museum was founded to preserve the patriotic spirit and traditional values of Vietnamese women for future generations.

In January 1983, a research group of 13 female members was formed to document the history of the women’s movement in southern Vietnam. The museum was first opened on April 29, 1985, marking the 10th anniversary of southern Vietnam’s liberation. It had six exhibition rooms covering 200m².

An expansion of the museum began on March 8, 1986, which increased the museum’s area to 3,000m². The new museum was inaugurated on May 18, 1990, on the 100th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh. It symbolized a tribute to the contributions of women in southern Vietnam.

Read more: Vietnamese war museums: A guide to the top 10 war museums in Vietnam

2. Things to explore at the Southern Women’s Museum

2.1. Precious artifacts

As one of the famous Vietnamese museums in Saigon, the Southern Women’s Museum displays over 44,000 artifacts and documents which are meticulously preserved to honor the contributions of women in southern Vietnam. Approximately half of these items are related to different eras of resistance. The other half consists of cultural items, from textiles to ceramics, highlighting Vietnam’s rich heritage.

The Southern Women’s Museum celebrates the contributions of Southern Vietnamese women through various periods (Source: Collected)

The museum’s collections also include traditional clothes such as ao dai, as well as jewelry, kitchenware, and agricultural tools. Each item is preserved according to the Department of Cultural Heritage’s strict standards. In addition, the Southern Women’s Museum places significant emphasis on the role of Vietnamese women in preserving heritage. There are many items related to traditional festivals and beliefs.

2.2. Thematic exhibitions

Previously, the Southern Women’s Museum featured 11 permanent thematic exhibits. With the expansion of its space, the museum now hosts 31 rotating exhibitions, showcasing a wide range of topics. Some standout themes include “Vietnamese weddings in southern Vietnam in the early 20th century,” “The immortal flower,” “The evolution of ao dai,” and “Southern women in culinary culture.”

Since 2018, the museum has progressively incorporated technology into its displays, becoming the first museum in Ho Chi Minh City to introduce 3D/360° virtual reality technology. This innovative approach merges tradition with modernity, allowing visitors to interact with 3D models of historical artifacts, enhancing the museum experience and making it more immersive.

The 3D displays at the Southern Women’s Museum (Source: Collected)

2.3. Publications about women

The Southern Women’s Museum has collected, compiled, and published 30 books about women in southern Vietnam, including the notable work “Southern Women as Immortal Heroes,” which chronicles the struggles of women in the region during the two resistance wars. Other highlighted publications include “Historical and Cultural Sites of Vietnamese Women” and “Legends of Vietnamese Women.”

Additionally, the museum’s library boasts over 12,000 specialized books on women, along with thousands of journals, magazines, and other publications, making it one of the prominent museums in Ho Chi Minh City.

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3. How to get to the Southern Women’s Museum?

To reach the Southern Women’s Museum, there are various options for transport:

• By motorcycle or car: From the Opera House in District 1, make your way to Pasteur Street. Follow the street northwest until you reach the intersection that connects with Vo Thi Sau Street. Turn left and go 350 meters, the museum will be on the right.
• By bus: For those without a vehicle, several bus routes pass by or stop near the Southern Women’s Museum. These include routes 04, 30, 54, 91, 150, and 152.
• By taxi: For groups, taxis are the more convenient option. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one via ride-hailing mobile apps. Xanh SM, Vietnam’s first all-electric taxi service, is a popular choice. It offers easy payment methods, quick bookings, and 24/7 availability.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City map: A compass for first-time tourists

4. What to note while visiting the Southern Women’s Museum?

To ensure a smooth experience during Southern Women’s Museum tours, visitors should keep the following tips in mind:

• Dress modestly to the museum.
• Photography is allowed, but avoid areas marked with “No Photography” signs.
• Do not touch any displayed artifacts.
• Refrain from placing hands on glass display cases.
• Consider hiring a guide for deeper insights into the museum’s history.

Read more: Top 10 historical places in Ho Chi Minh City you can’t skip

A journey through the Southern Women’s Museum provides more than just historical insight – it is an opportunity to witness the enduring strength and creativity of Southern Vietnamese women. From past struggles to present triumphs, each exhibit leaves a lasting impression, making the museum a memorable highlight for anyone exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City.

It usually takes just a morning or afternoon to explore every corner of the Southern Women’s Museum. Thus, you can easily combine the trip with a visit to nearby attractions such as the Independence Palace and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

In particular, you can take your time to explore VinWonders Grand Park, a new amusement park set to open in December 2024. Located in Thu Duc City, VinWonders Grand Park features everything you need for a fun-filled day, including the Tropical Island water park, the Singapore-inspired Dream Garden, the Park Avenue commercial street, and the serene Lake Beach.

VinWonders Grand Park – a new amusement park in Saigon

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