The Southern Women’s Museum, located at 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, stands as a representation of the contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history. Established in 1985, this three-story colonial-style building houses extensive collections spanning from the wartime era to modern day, focusing on the role of women in Vietnam’s development.
The museum’s exterior reflects French colonial architecture, with its cream-colored façade, ornate balconies, and large windows typical of the early 20th century. The building’s symmetrical design features classical columns and decorative motifs that were common during Vietnam’s colonial period. A small courtyard greets visitors at the entrance, adorned with traditional plants and sculptures.
Inside, the museum spans approximately 2,000 square meters across three floors, each dedicated to different aspects of women’s history and culture. The ground floor typically houses temporary exhibitions and introduces visitors to the museum’s themes through a chronological display of photographs and artifacts.
The second floor contains the main permanent exhibition, divided into several themed rooms. These include displays on women’s roles in warfare, featuring uniforms, weapons, and personal items belonging to female revolutionary fighters. Another section showcases traditional crafts and occupations, with exhibits of weaving looms, agricultural tools, and trading artifacts.
The museum houses over 20,000 items, including clothing, documents, photographs, and various artifacts that illustrate women’s lives throughout different historical periods.
A significant portion of the museum focuses on the Vietnamese women’s movement during the resistance wars against French colonialism and American forces. Visitors can view personal effects, letters, and documents belonging to female revolutionary leaders and heroines. The museum also presents information about the “Long-Haired Army,” a group of female guerrilla fighters who played important roles in the Vietnam War.
The third floor features exhibits on modern Vietnamese women, including their roles in politics, science, education, and business. This level also contains displays of traditional ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) through different periods, showing the evolution of women’s fashion and social status.
One of the museum’s most distinctive features is its collection of propaganda posters from various periods, highlighting women’s participation in nation-building efforts. These colorful artworks provide insight into how the government mobilized women for both war efforts and peacetime development.
The museum maintains several interactive displays where visitors can learn about traditional crafts and customs. A dedicated space allows visitors to try on traditional costumes and participate in hands-on activities related to traditional women’s work.
The building includes a research center with documents and materials available for scholars studying women’s history in Vietnam. A small library contains books and periodicals related to women’s studies and gender issues.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM Closed on Mondays
Address:
202 Vo Thi Sau Street District 3 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
The museum offers guided tours in Vietnamese and English, though advance booking is recommended for English-language tours. Each floor features detailed bilingual descriptions accompanying the exhibits. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and an elevator serving all floors.
A small gift shop near the entrance sells traditional handicrafts, books, and souvenirs related to Vietnamese women’s culture and history. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and cultural events, particularly around International Women’s Day (March 8) and Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20).
