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5000+ valuable artifacts
Once the residence of the President of South Vietnam, the Independence Palace (or Reunification Palace) is now a symbol of the country’s resilience and pride. It’s a place where history has been meticulously preserved, with each artifact holding a piece of the story. From the grandeur of its ceremonial rooms to the intimacy of its private chambers, the palace is a mosaic of the past, showcasing a range of artifacts that span across centuries.
Independence Palace houses an impressive collection of artifacts and antiques from various presidential administrations during the former Saigon regime. While there is unanimous agreement about the presence of numerous rare and historically significant items within the Palace, it’s worth noting that many artifacts were regrettably lost or misplaced over the years. However, a turning point occurred in 1990 when Independence Palace was opened to the public, marking the culmination of nearly 15 years of concerted efforts.
During this period, the Palace succeeded in amassing an extensive collection, totaling more than 5,000 items. Then, in 2002, an additional 305 special household items used in state banquets for visiting heads of state were also acquired and became part of the Palace’s remarkable collection.

The purpose of this article is not just to list these items but to breathe life into them, telling the story of a nation that has seen both the heights of glory and the depths of conflict. As we embark on this journey through the Independence Palace’s extensive collection, we invite readers to step into the shoes of historians and explorers alike. Together, we will discover the significance of these artifacts, not only as remnants of the past but as beacons for understanding Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and complex history.
Outstanding Artifacts at independence palace
Giant dragon rug
Located on the second floor’s lobby of Independence Palace, this giant dragon rub was made in Hong Kong in 1973, and transferred to Saigon. This is related to a lesser-known name of Independence Palace: Dragon Head Palace.
The name “Phủ Đầu Rồng” (Dragon Head Palace), has significant feng shui implications. Renowned in 1967 for being situated on a “long mạch” (dragon line), the palace’s feng shui master highlighted its powerful location with the dragon’s head at the palace and its tail at Turtle Lake. However, the turbulent energy of the dragon’s tail was believed to affect the stability of leadership, necessitating a large bronze turtle at Turtle Lake to calm it, ensuring the president’s lasting tenure.

One of the biggest elephant's tusks in Vietnam
The 150cm long elephant’s tusks (considered as one of the biggest refined tusks in Vietnam) in the president’s guest room have a dark history among the artifacts at Independence Palace. There was a rumor that there were more than 20 innocent villagers were dead in Ha Lao Jungle (a part in the south of Laos during the war) only to get the tusks.
The tusks then became the property of a Lieutenant colonel named Tho. On the date he was promoted, he gave this to president Thieu as a gift. That was the time the tusks were put in the Independence Palace.

Four Gentlemen Painting wooden cabinets
In the president’s guest room, there are 2 wooden cabinets next to the elephant’s tusks. The paintings on these cabinets are called Four Gentlemen Paintings (Lan Mai Cuc Truc), which refer to four plants: the orchid (Lan), plum blossom (Mai), chrysanthemum (Cuc), and bamboo (Truc). Each represents a different season and exhibits virtues like purity, resilience, humility, and perseverance. These paintings are a staple in East Asian art, symbolizing noble attributes and moral integrity. They are highly regarded in Confucian culture, reflecting the gentlemanly ideals of conduct and thought.
Plum Blossom (Mai): Representing spring, the plum blossom symbolizes purity and nobility. It blooms vibrantly amidst the cold winter, signifying resilience and a strong life force, its delicate beauty exemplifying grace under adversity.
Orchid (Lan): A symbol of summer’s fertility, the orchid thrives in harsh conditions, representing growth and adaptability. It signifies perfection and harmony, with its elegant blooms symbolizing a gentle yet enduring beauty.
Chrysanthemum (Cúc): Emblematic of autumn and longevity, the chrysanthemum stands for prosperity and balance. Even as it wilts, it does not fall, symbolizing an enduring spirit.
Bamboo (Trúc): Representing winter, bamboo is a symbol of integrity and flexibility. Its straight growth and greenery through seasons reflect an upright and resilient character.

Exquisite ceramic vases
On the second floor of Independence Palace, there are some exquisite ceramic vases, which were well crafted in previous centuries.
To the left of the photo below (white vase) is the one crafted in the 19th century in China. On the vase is the painting of The Eight Immortals (八仙) attending the peach table banquet.
The Eight Immortals (八仙) are eight Immortals in Chinese mythology. The power of each of these immortals can be transformed into Dharma weapons (法器). Has great magical power, can give someone life, as well as destroy the existence of evil. The Eight Dharma weapons are called "Dark Eight Immortals" (暗八仙).
One day, the Queen Mother held a peach table banquet and invited the gods to attend. Because the Queen Mother is a female Tho star. In charge of refining the elixir of life at Kunlun Mountain. Therefore, her peach table meeting is also extremely special.
At the peach table banquet, gods and goddesses from all over the world gathered in large numbers, covered with fairy energy, and surrounded by auspicious clouds. Among them are eight legendary immortals, called the "Eight Immortals", which are: Han Chung Ly, Truong Qua Lao, Han Tuong Tu, Ly Thiet Quai, Cao Quoc Cuu, Lu Dong Tan, Lam Thai Hoa, and Ha Tien Co. After eating and drinking, the eight immortals bowed to the Queen Mother and returned together.History stories
To the right of the photo below (blue vase) is the one made by a Vietnamese craftsman at the beginning of the 19th century. The vase is about Full-moon Festival, with scenes of dragon dance, lanterns,… and other cultural patterns.

A painting of president's hometown
Among the artifacts at Independence Palace, in the working room of President Nguyen Van Thieu, the painting of “Tri Thuy Bridge” stands out. This painting was an art from artist Pham Co, using oil painting canvas in 1966.
Tri Thuy Bridge is located in Ninh Hai, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. This place is the hometown of President Nguyen Van Thieu. Nowadays, this place is still there.


A painting by Independence Palace architect
In the dining room of Independence Palace, there is a special painting: the one by the palace’s architect himself – Ngo Viet Thu.
During the inaugural ceremony held on October 31, 1966, architect Ngo Viet Thu, while presenting the key aspects of the Independence Palace project, referenced his artwork “Son Ha Cam Tu” as a means of conveying his architectural vision.
He stated, “Much like the painting ‘Hoang Hoa’ that adorns the banquet hall of this palace, symbolizing our dedication to employing modern materials and techniques, albeit non-European and non-American, to encapsulate the essence of the Vietnamese spirit that you will encounter within the grand dining area. This encapsulates the guiding principles that guided our research and coordination efforts for this Palace. We aim to etch the history of our nation’s independence into culturally significant creations, accomplished by utilizing contemporary materials and methodologies to the fullest extent.”

Incorporating a landscape painting style, this artwork beautifully captures the diverse Vietnamese topography, highlighting the unique characteristics of its three regions: the North, Central, and South. The left portion of the painting depicts the Northern landscape with its majestic mountains, while the center portrays the Central region, featuring the iconic Ngo Mon Hue. On the right, the Southern region unfolds with its expansive plains and meandering rivers.
Gracefully adorning the upper left corner of the canvas are two lines of Chinese characters: “Romantic trees and rivers, peaceful herbs,” conveying the poetic essence of “brocaded rivers” and “serene trees.” In the lower right corner, the artist’s signature lends a personal touch. This magnificent piece is part of a larger set of paintings within the palace, constructed from seven smaller panels, each measuring 2 meters in length and 1 meter in width. Collectively, the entire artwork spans an impressive 7 meters in length and 2 meters in width.
What makes this painting particularly noteworthy is the innovative approach employed by architect Ngo Viet Thu in its creation. While adopting the ink style, he utilized modern oil paints, skillfully adjusting their consistency to achieve varying textures, whether it be the picturesque landscapes or intricate detailing.
The exquisite wooden frame, adorned with green paint and gilded accents, enhances the overall presentation, while a delicate blue border lines the inner frame. To authenticate his work, Ngo Viet Thu’s signature, accompanied by the year “1966,” graces the lower right corner of the painting. Notably, this masterpiece was completed in 1966 and proudly displayed in advance of the palace’s inauguration.
A gift from Korean's general
The painting in the photo below is one of the valuable artifacts at Independence Palace. This painting was gifted to President Nguyen Van Thieu by Korean General Moo-hyun in 1971. In the painting is the famous “crane and the pine” in Eastern culture.
In folklore, both the crane and the pine tree are believed to possess remarkable longevity, spanning thousands of years. As a result, they have come to symbolize the concept of enduring vitality. The depiction of a crane extending its wings and soaring toward the heavens signifies aspirations, the pursuit of a graceful existence, and harmonious coexistence with both the celestial and earthly realms.

The painting in Credentials Presenting Room
The grandeur of the Binh Ngo Dai Cao painting commands a distinguished place within the Credentials Presenting Room – the second floor of the Independence Palace. Through its content, it radiates the pride of a nation with a profound history, one that repeatedly vanquished the formidable Ming Dynasty invaders and established independence six centuries ago. Crafted from opulent, yet deeply symbolic, ethnic lacquer materials, this artwork unfolds a sweeping tableau of Vietnamese life, a testament to the enduring jubilation borne from victorious spirits.
Within its intricate details, one can discern the heroic army’s triumphant journey back to the capital for celebrations, the regal splendor of the Le court, and the exultation of the fields, mountains, and rivers. It also captures the elation of farmers who have just cast off the yoke of foreign colonial rule. This painting breathes life into the homeland, infusing it with vitality and hope, vividly manifested through the resplendent use of bright yellow hues, akin to the early spring sunlight heralding the nation’s dawn.
Even though this artwork can only be viewed from outside the room, behind protective barriers, its every detail remains remarkably distinct. It portrays a moment in history when the nation had just reclaimed peace from the Ming invaders during the 15th century. The painting itself is a testament to Vietnamese lacquer art’s grandeur, measuring an impressive 14 meters in length and 9 meters in height. Composed of 40 smaller lacquer paintings, each measuring 0.8 meters by 1.2 meters, it showcases a densely detailed tapestry of approximately 15 simultaneous life scenes.

more of history
The artifacts at Independence Palace show visitors a lot about history of the palace, and Vietnam’s history in general. If you are interested in this topic, you can visit these articles:
Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
Full History of Independence Palace – from 1868 to Present Days
The Tanks at Independence Palace – Echoes of History
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