Coming here, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the formation and development of the Earth through extremely unique and valuable artifacts. This is not only a place to serve research but also an opportunity for visitors to admire natural wonders in the heart of the bustling capital.
The Hanoi Geological Museum is located in the premises of the General Department of Geology and Minerals, at 6 Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan Kiem District. The museum's origins date back to 1898 when the Indochina Geological Service of the French colonial government was established. Two French geologists, Honoré Lantenois and Henri Mansuy, were responsible for the construction of the museum, which was completed in 1914.
In 1928, the museum expanded its collection with specimens from all over Indochina, divided into four main categories: Mineralogy, Petrology, Paleontology and Prehistory.
After the liberation of Hanoi in 1954, the museum was under the management of the Geological Department of the Ministry of Industry and continued to develop under the advice of the director of the Leningrad Geological Museum (former Soviet Union) in 1963.
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The museum is free to enter, making it convenient for all ages to visit and learn. |
The Geological Museum is currently a specialized museum of natural sciences, playing an important role in researching, collecting, preserving, storing, displaying and disseminating knowledge about Vietnam's geology and minerals, as well as their evolutionary history.
The museum has 3 floors with a total area of 1,200m2 , with more than 4,000 specimens including precious stones, minerals and rare fossils. Coming to the museum, visitors are taken on an exciting journey, where each exhibit tells a story about the formation and transformation of the Earth.
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Museum staff introduce gemstone samples in Vietnam. |
The first floor of the museum focuses on introducing the structure of the Earth and the history of Vietnam's geological evolution from ancient times to the present. This display shows Vietnam's mineral potential as well as Vietnam's geological relationship with international geology.
Through vividly presented geological models and maps, this is the ideal place to gain a better understanding of the major changes that have affected the structure and environment of Vietnam. This knowledge helps to raise awareness of the constant change of our planet.
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| The cone fossil was found in Na Duong, Lang Son in 2002. This is the largest paleontological specimen on display at the museum. |
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The oldest collection of rocks in Vietnam from the Archean – Thai Co era, about 4,500 years ago , was found in the center of the Kon Tum block . These are metamorphic rocks that are very hard because they metamorphosed at high temperatures and have a dark color. |
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On the first floor, the museum also displays geological samples given to Vietnam by countries around the world.
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The second floor of the museum displays many rare artifacts about minerals and geology of Vietnam. Here, visitors can admire sparkling gemstones, aragonite crystal samples and rich minerals from all regions.
These artifacts are not only valuable in terms of science but also unique works of art, demonstrating the diversity of Vietnam’s natural resources. Among them, two precious meteorites found in Quang Nam and Soc Trang stand out.
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Meteorite sample found by a Frenchman in Soc Trang in 1921. |
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Meteorite sample found in Hoi An, Quang Nam in 1941. |
These specimens are not only beautiful but also provide useful knowledge about biological and geological history. This is an important part to help visitors better understand the development of life on Earth.
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Sand samples were found in regions across the country. |
The last floor of the museum is the area displaying thematic collections, where rare artifacts from the country and abroad are kept. Notably, there are paleontological samples (fossils) from animals and plants. Animal fossils have notable artifacts such as dinosaur femur fossils, rhinoceros teeth, ammonites from the same time as dinosaurs...
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A variety of soil, rock and liquid specimens are displayed on the 3rd floor of the museum. |
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Titanosaurus dinosaur femur fossil excavated in Laos in 1935. |
Here, visitors can also see with their own eyes fossilized trees, formed from tree trunks that have been buried for many years underground in sediments or volcanic or volcanic lava.
Among them, the beautiful fossil leaves found in Hon Gai, Quang Ninh is a fossil specimen that is loved by tourists when they come to visit.
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Fossil leaves found by a French collector in Hon Gai, Quang Ninh. |
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Visiting the Hanoi Geological Museum is like entering a miniature world of the Earth, where visitors will find surprising and fascinating things. |
The Hanoi Geological Museum is a place to preserve and display rare specimens, making an important contribution to scientific research and teaching. In addition, the museum is also an interesting destination chosen by many people to learn more about the knowledge of the earth in general, and geological science in particular. From there, it helps each person love nature more, raising awareness of protecting our living environment.
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