Students enthusiastically engage in a hands-on history lesson about the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. (Photo: baodautu.vn)

Recreating historic milestones

Located on Le Duan Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, just 600 meters from Independence Palace, the museum was originally established as the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Exhibition Hall on July 27, 1987. At that time, it housed more than 560 original artifacts, 108 documentary photos, and 36 scientific documents.

To better reflect the significance and historical scale of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, the Ministry of National Defense officially upgraded it to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum on December 11, 2020, under Decision No. 3936/QD-BQP.

The museum preserves valuable artifacts, images, and rare documents—many of which are one-of-a-kind—about the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising. Among the notable exhibits are two large-scale models: the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Command Headquarters and a recreation of Duong Van Minh’s surrender, marking the collapse of the Saigon regime.

Additionally, the museum houses three significant collections: a collection of flags from different army corps, divisions, and military units; a collection of anti-aircraft artillery and missiles used in the campaign; and a collection of military vehicles, including those that participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

Most notably, the museum safeguards the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Operations Logbook, a priceless and unique historical artifact recognized as a national treasure.

Every artifact, photograph, and rare documentary displayed at the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum serves as a lasting source of pride and inspiration, encouraging all Vietnamese people to contribute to the country’s prosperity and strength.

To enhance the museum’s appeal, its management has continuously expanded its collection, acquiring new artifacts and historical documents. These efforts aim to make the museum an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors, showcasing Vietnam’s resilience and indomitable spirit.

Each exhibit is tied to historic milestones, vividly recreating key moments of the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising, including the Central Highlands Campaign, the Hue-Da Nang Campaign, and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign

A major highlight is the 60-square-meter electronic battlefield simulation, offering visitors a miniature yet highly detailed and immersive recreation of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. Guided tours are available in Vietnamese, English, and French.

The museum also features a 2,500-square-meter outdoor exhibition area, displaying various weapons and military equipment used in the campaign, such as aircraft, tanks, and artillery.

Encouraging more visitors to museum

According to Captain Tran Thi Duan, in addition to educating visitors about historical lessons, the museum collaborates with various organizations and schools to host meaningful activities.

By integrating multiple engaging elements, these programs make historical knowledge more accessible and compelling for students. Interactive discussions with historical witnesses include Q&A sessions and fun quizzes, making history lessons more engaging and memorable. These practical learning experiences help ignite a sense of pride and historical awareness among younger generations.

Above all, the museum’s carefully preserved artifacts and images continue to resonate with the echoes of the nation’s great victory, enriching Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural and historical identity. It has become a "red address" for learning about Vietnam’s revolutionary traditions and fostering patriotism, encouraging young people to strive for excellence in their studies and careers.

Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Diep, Director of the Military Region 7 Museum, shared that to attract more visitors, the museum’s leadership has focused on modernizing exhibits with technology to create a more engaging experience.

The museum has also partnered with numerous schools and travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City to develop educational tours for students and tourists. Since 2019, it has collaborated with six schools, four travel companies, and a National Defense and Security Education Center. Together, they have organized hundreds of study trips, providing enriching learning experiences for students and young visitors.

Recognizing the impact of digital outreach, the museum actively promotes its activities through mass media and social media platforms. As a result, from 2019 to 2023, the number of visitors increased by 180% compared to the previous period./.

Compiled by BTA