THE SURPRISING AMAZING VIETNAMESE'S WOMEN MUSEUM (North Vietnam): Despite being a patriarchal society, Viet Nam still reserves a special, if not sacred, place to honour Vietnamese women...

Despite being a patriarchal society, Viet Nam still reserves a special, if not sacred, place to honour Vietnamese women. Not only is October 20th is made Vietnam’s Women day but there also exists a museum dedicated to women.

The museum displays rather recent history of women, such as women and ethnicity; women and the national struggle; Vietnam women association and the feminism; women and traditional costumes; and women’s cultural traits expressed through handicrafts.

Inside, over 25,000 objects spread across 1500 square meters and five stories, shedding more light on the history and culture of Vietnam. Unlike most museums that I had visited before, this one was more about presentation than actual artifacts. Larger than life photos dominated most of the rooms, complete with English captions for foreign visitors. 

There are three permanent exhibits: 

• Women and Family, 
• Women and Society, 
• and Women’s Fashion. 

Each exhibit uses a different colour and theme.

Women and Family features their role in the family in various indigenous subcultures of Vietnam. 

Women and Society puts the spotlight on the many famous women and the parts they played in the country’s history and contemporary society.  

The top floor houses Women’s Fashion, a vibrant display of both traditional and modern clothing, textile, and jewelry. Special exhibits are also set up inside the museum.

There are also frequent exhibitions on contemporary women, such as women working as street vendors or women’s place in the family. The Vietnam Women’s Museum is definitely worth a few hour visit, especially for those keen on learning about culture and gender.

The permanent galleries feature three thematic displays:

• Women in Family
• Women in History
• Women’s Fashion

The Museum’s collection features historical and contemporary objects which illustrate and reflect the lives and roles of Vietnamese women in society.

The museum is located at 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi (please see the location here next).