Visitors can explore the French Residence independently through a digital tour using QR codes and audio-visual information, learning about the history and fascinating stories surrounding one of the city’s notable late-19th-century architectural landmarks.
The French Residence was built in 1872 by French naval engineers. Its reception rooms house numerous antiques representing Vietnamese decorative art and spiritual culture from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the works on display is the 1939 lacquer painting The Procession by renowned Vietnamese artist Nguyen Gia Tri.
This year’s program is themed “Photographic Heritage”, marking the 200th anniversary of the art of photography. The exhibition features works by French photographer Adrien Jean, who currently lives and works in Ho Chi Minh City. His photographs capture landmarks, architectural works, and fragments of Vietnam’s heritage.
On the occasion, the French Consulate General, in cooperation with French airline Air France, is also organizing a photography contest for visitors. Participants are encouraged to photograph their journey exploring the French Residence. The winner will receive a round-trip air ticket between Ho Chi Minh City and Paris, sponsored by Air France.
European Heritage Days were initiated by the French Ministry of Culture and first held in 1984. As part of the event, the public has the opportunity to visit historic buildings and sites that are normally closed to visitors because they are used for other purposes.
