Exploring Hung Vuong Museum: A Journey to the Ancestral Roots

Perched serenely on Cong Quan Hill within the Hung Kings Temple Historical Relic Area, Hung Vuong Museum is more than just a unique architectural landmark; it is a priceless "physical history book." Amidst the fresh air of spring, as the entire nation turns its heart toward the Ancestral Anniversary on the 10th day of the third lunar month, the museum stands as a sacred destination. Here, every archaeological artifact serves as a bridge connecting the present to the age-old legends of national construction.

Many young people choose Hung Vuong Museum within the Hung Kings Temple Historical Relic Area for sightseeing and educational experiences.

Among the bustling crowds returning to the Ancestral Land in the early days of the year, Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, a visitor from Hanoi, could not hide her emotions while standing in the exhibition space. For her, witnessing original prehistoric artifacts is not just an academic tour but an experience of national pride. "Every Vietnamese person grows up with the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. However, standing before thousands of artifacts and listening to the moving narrations, I truly feel the vividness of our ancestors' history," she shared.

Each production tool and daily item of the ancient Vietnamese reflects cultural quintessence, reaffirming that the Hung Kings era was a magnificent and brilliant reality.

Staff at Hung Vuong Museum introduce the historical value of the artifacts to visitors.

Built in 1987 and inaugurated in 1993, the museum embodies the profound aesthetic philosophy of ancient Vietnamese people. Viewed from the peak of Nghia Linh Mountain, the structure resembles a giant square box, evoking the legend of Banh Chung and Banh Giay (square and round sticky rice cakes), symbolizing the concept of "Round Sky and Square Earth."

Spanning nearly 1,000 square meters across two floors, the museum houses over 4,000 artifacts, including nearly 700 precious original items from the Phung Nguyen, Dong Dau, Go Mun, and Dong Son cultural periods. The display system is scientifically organized into five thematic rooms, highlighting the overarching theme: "Agricultural Civilization: The Hung Kings Founding Van Lang State on the Sacred Ancestral Land."

From traces of primitive humans to the nation-building efforts of the Hung Kings, history is reenacted through ceramic paintings, lacquers, bronze bas-reliefs, and large statue groups, creating a multi-dimensional and impressive experience.

The highlight of the exhibition is the presence of two priceless national treasures: the Hy Cuong Bronze Drum and the Bronze Belt Buckle Set.

Visitors are often left in awe of the Hy Cuong Bronze Drum, a radiant symbol of the Dong Son culture. Intricately carved with motifs of Lac birds, multi-pointed stars, and scenes of daily life, the drum was not only a musical instrument but also a symbol of authority and the masterful bronze-casting skills of ancient Vietnamese. Similarly, the bronze belt buckle set, decorated with stylized turtles and snakes, testifies to the sophisticated aesthetic and rich spiritual life of the Hung King era’s aristocracy.

These artifacts serve as the “identity card” of the Red River Civilization, igniting a deep sense of pride in everyone who beholds them.

Tourists explore and learn about historical artifacts at the Hung Vuong Museum.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Phuong, Deputy Head of the Monument, Culture, and Festival Management Department, stated that every staff member is deeply aware of their role as a “fire keeper” between the past and the present. The guide team constantly innovates their storytelling to convey cultural heritage in the most relatable and vivid way.

Moving forward, the museum aims for a powerful transformation. The focus will remain on collection and restoration while integrating technological solutions to make artifacts "speak.“This will help visitors, especially international friends, gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese tradition of”Drinking water, remember its source".

The Hung Vuong Museum stands as a scientific testament and a firm spiritual pillar for generations of Vietnamese descendants to come.

Huong Lan