HÀ NỘI – Titled Nếp Xưa, an exhibition currently held at Hà Nội Museum allows attendees to travel back in time and immerse themselves in the essence of Hà Nội’s past.

Situated on the museum’s first floor, Nếp Xưa presents an impressive collection of nearly 200 historical documents and artefacts and recreates old Hà Nội’s living space.

Nếp Xưa greets visitors with an evocative scene - an ancient village gateway flanked by water jars. The setting pays homage to the serene charm of Hà Nội’s yesteryears. Stepping through this gateway, visitors are transported to a vivid reimagining of Hà Nội's landscape decades ago.

Visitors back in time to immerse themselves in the serene charm of Hà Nội’s yesteryears. Photo toquoc.vn

The exhibition serves as a window into both Hà Nội's history and the socioeconomic shifts of the early 20th century. The influence of French colonial architecture redefined the city’s urban fabric through new neighbourhoods and styles, yet maintained the core of Vietnamese tradition.

Central to the Nếp Xưa experience is a journey through the lives of affluent urban families of the era, whose homes were two-story villa houses.

The exhibition is divided into four distinct spaces: the living room, the worship chamber, an introduction to villa architecture, and a display of period clothing. These historical settings come alive with more than 200 meticulously curated documents and artefacts sourced globally.

Living rooms of the period were adorned with carefully arranged antique wooden furniture.  French-inspired furniture such as a fireplace is also included. The worship space, meanwhile, embodied solemnity, with an intricately carved, painted, and gold-gilded altar. Central to this area were the throne and tablet, surrounded by sacred artefacts, including incense bowls and vases crafted from diverse materials.

Visitors can rent Việt phục, a traditional Vietnamese costume. Photo toquoc.vn

To further enhance the “time-travelling experience”, with just VNĐ30,000, visitors to the museum can also rent Việt phục, a traditional Vietnamese costume, at the reception desk. Each visitor can rent the costume for taking pictures for 30 minutes. 

The exhibition will continue to be held at Hà Nội Museum until further notice. VNS

The recreated setting of the old Hà Nội's living room at the exhibition. Photo toquoc.vn