The 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum and the Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City are fascinating cultural destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history and diverse ethnic heritage.

Housed within the same building on Nguyen Hue Street, these museums are part of the Do Hung Museum system, showcasing the remarkable collection of Vietnamese antique collector, Do Hung.

Vietnamese antique collector, Do Hung, shares insights into Nguyen Dynasty artifacts at his museum.
Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

With a passion for preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural heritage, Hung has spent decades amassing a vast collection of antiques. The 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum displays items dating back over 2,500 years, representing the vibrant and diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

Ethnic clothing and jewelry on display at the 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum.
Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News
Stunning jewelry pieces from the Thai ethnic group.
Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

The Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum, on the other hand, showcases artifacts from the Nguyen royal family. Here, visitors can admire clothing, jewelry, and daily items used by royalty, as well as learn about the dynasty’s operation from 1802 to 1945.

A prince’s hammock from the Nguyen Dynasty.
Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News
Dining utensils from the Nguyen Dynasty.
Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News
Ivory products showcase the craftsmanship of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Hung’s dedication to his craft is evident, as he has acquired many of these artifacts from auctions abroad, ensuring their preservation for future generations. His collection also includes rare pieces from the reign of Emperor Kien Phuc, who ruled for a brief period in the 19th century.

The collector’s passion for antiques began in his youth with the discovery of ancient coins, and it has since driven him to extensively study Vietnam’s history, culture, and art. Hung’s collection now spans over 2,000 square meters in Hoc Mon District, with only a fraction of it on display at these newly-opened museums.

Elegant jewelry pieces from the Kinh ethnic group.
Photo: Supplied
A vibrant display of jewelry from various ethnic minorities.
Photo: Supplied

Both museums are open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, with tickets priced at VND250,000. At the Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum, visitors can even dress up in royal costumes and take photos on replicas of the king’s throne and the queen’s palanquin and carriage, offering a unique, immersive experience.

Photography is also permitted throughout the museums, allowing visitors to capture and share the beauty of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

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