The Vietnam Literature Museum offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that showcases the rich national literary history of Vietnam along with the vibrant exchange of ideas between Vietnamese literature and the literary works of other countries from around the world.
Panoramic View of Vietnamese Literature
The Vietnam Literature Museum was officially opened to visitors on June 26, 2015.
The Vietnam Literature Museum is situated 6.2 km north of downtown Hanoi, at 275 Au Co, Quang An ward, Tay Ho District. This historical site was formerly home to the Quang Ba School of Literature of the Vietnam Writers Association from 1960-1970, and it now serves as a repository for numerous memories of renowned writers and poets. A visit to the Vietnam Literature Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the lives and legacies of these esteemed literary figures.
| Students learn about literature history at the museum. |
As one of the leading literary museums in Southeast Asia, our institution plays a pivotal role in the research, collection, preservation, exhibition, and education of our nation’s rich literary heritage.
The Vietnam Literature Museum boasts two prominent exhibits. The outdoor exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese folklore, artfully depicted through intricate ceramic reliefs adorning the museum’s exterior. Additionally, the exhibit showcases a collection of 20 statues commemorating esteemed literary figures throughout ancient and medieval Vietnam.
The indoor exhibition features a collection of over 2,000 square meters, housing thousands of artifacts. It presents a comprehensive historical journey of Vietnamese literature from the Ly Dynasty in the 10th century, up until the present day. Within this exhibition, visitors will find a treasure trove of materials and artifacts related to renowned Vietnamese and international writers. Notable figures include poet Nguyen Du, culturalist Nguyen Trai, national liberation hero Nguyen Dinh Chieu, writer Nam Cao, and writer To Hoai. Each artifact within this collection tells compelling and emotional stories about the lives and creative processes of these esteemed writers.
The museum’s indoor exhibition space spans across three floors, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the exhibits. Upon entering the museum, guests will be greeted by a captivating sight – a pen-shaped stone gracefully placed in the center of the first floor. This remarkable artifact holds historical significance as it originates from the Hung Temple located in Phu Tho, a province in the northern region of Vietnam. Complementing the stone, an inscription on the wall relays a profound quote from the renowned poet Nguyen Du’s literary masterpiece, “The Tale of Kieu” – “Therefore, the heart is worth thrice the talent.” This poetic message serves as an inspiring reminder of the profound value that lies within each individual.
The museum’s first floor is dedicated to Vietnamese literature from the ancient and medieval periods, spanning from the 10th to the 19th century. Visitors can explore these esteemed literary works and gain insights into the 19th-century exam study practices.
On the second floor, visitors have the opportunity to explore the illustrious careers of renowned writers who have been honored with the Ho Chi Minh Prize, the highest accolade bestowed by the Vietnamese State.
| The museum is seen from above. Photo courtesy of the museum |
The third floor is dedicated to showcasing the accomplishments and contributions of the Vietnam Writers Association. This floor features an exhibition area that focuses on the theme of “Cooperation and Exchange with International Literature.” Visitors can explore a collection of photographs, artifacts, and literary works by Vietnamese authors translated into various foreign languages. Additionally, the exhibition also showcases works by international writers who have become friends of Vietnam.
The exhibition showcases the exchange and collaboration, illustrating the progress of Vietnamese literature integrating with the global literary landscape.
Join us for a captivating night tour to explore the world of literature.
The Vietnam Literature Museum proudly presents the Literature Night Tour, an immersive experience that aims to share the literary beauty of Vietnam with the public. Held every Saturday and Sunday night, this tour offers a fresh perspective on Vietnamese literature, bringing visitors on a journey through ancient and medieval literary periods up to the present day. Join us for a unique and enlightening exploration of Vietnam’s literary heritage.
Nguyen Thi Thu Hue, the esteemed director of the Museum of Vietnam Literature, graciously shares captivating insights about the museum’s tour. In her eloquent statement, she explains that the museum is dedicated to preserving extraordinary artifacts, works of literary brilliance, and captivating stories that span multiple generations of Vietnam’s esteemed writers and cultural icons. Moreover, she eloquently states the museum’s unwavering mission to familiarize the public, particularly the youth, with the immense cultural and literary value housed within its walls. In hopes of creating an intimate connection with visitors, the museum has designed an innovative tour, which aims to establish itself as a haven for literature enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.
Hue announced that the Vietnam Literature Museum will soon launch thematic tour programs focusing on the hometowns of the authors.
| It’s an interesting place for literature lovers and tourists. |
According to Pham Xuan Nguyen, a renowned literary critic, the museum offers an engaging approach to storytelling, rather than delivering monotonous lectures. The upcoming literary tour holds significant significance as it aims to preserve and promote the invaluable heritage of Vietnamese literature. Additionally, it seeks to introduce the splendor of Vietnamese literature to tourists and friends from around the world.
Tran Lan Anh, a student from Giang Vo Secondary School, expressed her enjoyment of participating in the tour. She found it to be an enriching experience as it provided her with greater insights into the literary works and authors she is currently studying at school.
“After the tour, visitors have the opportunity to engage in a variety of immersive activities that deepen their experience of literature at the museum,” she explained. “These activities include solving crossword puzzles, practicing calligraphy, and participating in a traditional tea ceremony. By taking part in these engaging experiences, visitors are able to truly remember and appreciate their journey of literary discovery.”
Phung Quang Thang, Director of Vietnam Sustainable Tourism Company and Vice Chairman of Vietnam Travel Association, spoke about the night tour at the Museum of Literature, which he helped bring to fruition. This new offering provides tourists with a unique opportunity to explore Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage after dark.
According to Thang, this innovative tourism offering capitalizes on Vietnam’s rich literary heritage. It not only fosters a cultural hub for the locals of Hanoi but also aims to captivate literature enthusiasts, both local and international, making it an appealing tourist spot.
Tran Trung Hieu, the Deputy Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, expressed great admiration for the tour, commending Hanoi’s commitment to the development of tourism products that incorporate cultural and educational significance.
We are excited about the potential impact of the new tourism product offered by the Literature Museum on Hanoi’s tourism sector. We are confident that with the dedicated efforts of our museum staff, this tour will continue to evolve and become even more dynamic and appealing in the future.
Poetic masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ will be adapted into a musical theatre production by French artists
Vietnam’s 18th century poetic masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ by celebrated poet Nguyen Du will be adapted into a musical theatre production for the first time by French artists at a performance to be held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi this September. Nhandan Online reports.
French artists to adapt Vietnam’s masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ into musical theatre
NDO – Vietnam’s 18th century poetic masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ by celebrated poet Nguyen Du will be adapted into a musical theatre production for the first time by French artists at a performance to be held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi this September.
Vietnamese, French performers join hands to bring “Kieu Story” to opera
Masterpiece “Kieu Story” by renowned poet Nguyen Du has been brought to the new genre of opera under the name of “Kim Van Kieu” by Vietnamese and French performers.
Vietnam’s masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ to be adapted for ballet stage for the first time
NDO – The Ho Chi Minh Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) is creating a new ballet based on Vietnam’s 18th century poetic masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ by celebrated poet Nguyen Du (1776- 1820), marking the first time the masterpiece has been adapted to ballet stage.
New book by Polish Nobel prize winner published
The Hanoitimes – Titled “Bieguni – nhung nguoi khong ngung chuyen dong” (Flights), the book by Nobel prize awarded author Olga Tokarczuk published by the Viet Nam Women Publishing House, is a collection of some 1,000 stories linking to one another on the same topic: travelling and moving around.
