War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum, established on September 4, 1975, is a member of the Vietnam Museum System, INMP and ICOM. The museum specializes in researching, collecting, preserving and displaying evidence of crimes and consequences of the war of aggression against Vietnam, thereby calling for awareness against unjust wars, protecting peace and promoting solidarity between nations. With 9 permanent exhibition themes, many short-term, mobile exhibitions and activities to interact with war witnesses, the Museum welcomes nearly 1 million visitors each year and is a cultural – tourism destination that attracts a large number of domestic and foreign public.

2. What to See

The museum is divided into an outdoor area and three floors of thematic exhibitions:

• Outdoor Courtyard & “Tiger Cages”: Upon entering, you will be overwhelmed by massive US military aircraft, tanks, and artillery. The most haunting corner is the “Prison System” area—displaying chilling “Tiger Cage” replicas and an actual guillotine transported from southern prisons, exposing the most brutal torture methods.

• Ground Floor – Voices from the World: The “World Supports Vietnam” exhibition features posters and photos depicting global anti-war protests from 1954 to 1975.

• 1st Floor – The Wounds of War: Emotions will run heavy as you walk through the “Agent Orange Consequences” and “War Crimes” sections. This area preserves deformed artifacts, malformed fetuses, and heartbreaking images of devastating generational trauma. A standout piece is the world-shaking “Napalm Girl” photograph by Nick Ut.

• 2nd Floor – Views Through the Lens: The “Requiem” exhibition is a profound tribute to war photographers who perished on the battlefield. Photo collections by Ishikawa Bunyo and Goro Nakamura offer a perspective that is unflinchingly tragic yet filled with the Vietnamese people’s longing for peace.

3. Tips

• Mental Preparation: The images and artifacts at the museum are intensely graphic and highly emotional. If visiting with young children, exercise discretion when entering the Agent Orange or prison exhibit areas.

• Audio Guide: To truly grasp the deep stories behind the artifacts, rent the automated Audio Guide service available at the reception.

• Etiquette: Please dress modestly, maintain a quiet environment, do not touch or write on the exhibits, and adhere to the non-smoking zones. Leave bulky luggage at the cloakroom for easier movement through the museum.