The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a leading cultural and educational site in Hanoi, offering visitors an engaging look into the lives and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Founded in the 1980s during the post-war era, it was developed through the collaboration of Vietnamese experts and international partners to preserve and promote the country’s cultural diversity.

The museum’s main building, the Bronze Drum Building, was designed by Ha Duc Linh of the Tay ethnic group. Modeled after the Dong Son bronze drum, it spans 2,000 square meters and features thousands of artifacts, films, photos, and recreated living spaces. Exhibits are presented in Vietnamese, English, and French.

The Outdoor Architectural Garden showcases ten full-scale traditional houses built by ethnic craftsmen. Highlights include the Ede longhouse, Ba Na communal house, and Hmong earthen house. This peaceful space also hosts cultural activities like water puppet shows, offering visitors immersive experiences.

In 2006, the museum added the Kite Building, shaped like a traditional Southeast Asian kite. It hosts permanent exhibitions on Southeast Asian cultures and rotating displays of donated artifacts from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Latin America. The top floor is dedicated to conservation and research.

For over 20 years, the museum has been a vibrant cultural hub, with exhibitions, live performances, and educational programs. It was named one of Asia’s top 4 museums by TripAdvisor (2012–2014), and from 2015 to 2017, it was recognized as one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.