Observe the memory of Vietnam museum

Observe the memory of Vietnam museum

Generally speaking, three cities we have been these days leave quite different memories to me, for their own special personalities. The atmosphere in Hanoi is busy, which is always hustle and bustle. But the traditional handicrafts, artifacts, long and narrow houses and yellow French colonial buildings with vines climbing on are still very charming and glorying in the busy streets(just like views in Hayao Miyazaki's animations) ; Danang is more modern and western, not only the wider gray buildings but also orderly traffic. But it is a pity that traditional artifacts are rare in stores here. Maybe it is because of less International visitors here, so clerks here cannot speak English as fluently as Hanoi's. Interestingly, it is common to see Chinese character or hear Chinese songs here. From the other aspect, maybe it is not that touristy as Hanoi, so the city just need what residents really need here; Hoi An is totally different from the former two cities. It is a place which has traditional Chinese style, they remain the building, clothes, instruments and lunar calendar. It is a place which makes me peace ( especially the music we hear in Hoi An Museum and lantern street views.)

Most exhibitions in Vietnam are related to history, and the voices of in Vietnam's museums are usually government's or curator's. The grand narration present the collective memories which being decided by power owners. Sometimes it may be more objective than personal narration but it may lakes the power of personal emotion. Public memories like war history are most presented by objects, photographs and texts, but for people who are not very familiar to Vietnam's history, the short descriptions without clear introduction under the objects may make visitors confused, especially Military Museum and the Vietnam Museum of Revolution. If they add some personal voice (interview) or Personal stories, maybe soldier's and their families', the exhibition will be more objective, be lively and vivid. In my opinion, personal memories are the foundation of history, while history is the collection of personal fragile memories. If they can be balanced well in exhibitions , the truth presented to visitors can be not only compete but also attracting.

The most impressing museum experiences these days are Women's museum, the Hoa Lo Prison, and Dong Dinh Museum. Women's museum impresses me because women are well respected in this country, it successfully put details in living, family ,medical care and ceremonies. Additionally, the exhibitions forms here are very mature, not only multimedia but also meaningful interviews of local people and models demonstrate clothes and objects. Especially worship to Mother Goddess, visitors can immerse themselves totally in the atmosphere. As for Hoa Lo Prison, the emotion of depressing memory of Vietnam political prisoners and delightful atmosphere of American soldiers conveys to visitors successfully through music and well-selected objects and the models which repeat the history memory. Dong Dinh Museum is like a dream land, containing old memories of Mr. Giao's life experience and life philosophy, which are very touching with stories well told by labels(It is clear and makes visitors have image in our brain as well. It is what I love very much here.) the most natural lifestyle and his collection of artworks. The tranquility and peace here are go with nature forest in a harmony way.

Yuan Yuan Chang ( Bonnie)