A Week in Retrospect

Eight museums in five days. Each one different but all telling the stories of a proud nation. Similarly, the approach taken varies from subtle to direct. In the case of the National Museum of History, the Museum of the Revolution, the Citadel and Museum of Military History, they are there to tell the stories of the "under dog" taking on the might of the invader (China - 10th Century; France and USA - 20th Century) and winning. Interestingly, no mention is made of the more recent conflicts with Cambodia in 1978 and China in 1979, where the outcomes and resulting consequences were not as straightforward. Similarly, I noted little about the effects of the Japanese invasion during World War II. At times, it seemed there was no history before 1945 when Ho Chi Min declared Vietnam an independent State.

To me, the Museum of Fine Arts was an art gallery that showcased a range of objects, paintings and sculptures from the 4th Century BC to the present that had been made by Vietnamese artists throughout the eons. Nice to look at but with little soul. Again, in the post 1954 gallery, the art work and sculptures present the image of the birth of a strong nation through adversity imposed by the invaders and their subsequent defeat.

Although the majority of the Museum of Nature's objects showcased a variety of specimens, it presented them as an art form, particularly, the smaller, more colourful objects.

The National Museum of Ethnology told a story of 54 ethnic groups melding together as one nation, in which the minority groups are giving regular opportunities to showcase their traditions and artistic talents to all. While the engagement of these communities fosters a greater understanding to others, does this automatically result in the minority groups having any influence on the direction of the nation as a whole?

The Vietnamese Women's Museum highlights the importance of women in Vietnamese society, both at home and in their various roles in securing Vietnam's place in the world. It also isn't afraid to take on the Government in supporting contentious issues that face women; be it as a single mother or loosing family income due to the introduction of "western style" urban developments such as shopping complexes.

The museums visited have highlighted the rich history of Vietnam but also presented an underlying strength of the people, particularly in the last sixty years.