“Around the World” is the title of the collection of 200 ancient objects which is now showcased at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. It is the first time that cultures of different countries and territories are introduced at a museum in Vietnam. Professor Le Thanh Khoi, owner of the collection, presented it to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
 The names of Prof. Le Thanh Khoi and his wife Tham Thi Hong Anh who donated the collection “Around the World” are seen at the entrance of the exhibition. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP  Visitors experience the unique space of the collection “Around the World”.  There are clear captions at each corner to provide information to visitors.  The suitable lighting system and modern installation help visitors enjoy overall objects of the collection.  The uninterrupted display space helps visitors discover unique uninterrupted cultures from different countries all over the world. |
The display space, covering about 300m2 on the second floor of the Kite House at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, was set up in a modern style with a suitable lighting system and separated into four areas: Asia, Oceania, America and Africa.
Objects are selected with the criteria of signature culture, artistic value and ethnology. Therefore, visiting the exhibition, visitors can learn about the diversity of life on different continents. Although the “Around the World” collection has been presented to the public for a short time, it has won accolades from visitors.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is known as a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. It was recently awarded the prize “The most attractive destination in Vietnam in 2015” by journalists, visitors and tourism enterprises. That is recognition for its significant contribution to Vietnam’s tourism sector.
 An ancient statue of the Goddess of Mercy at an area for religion displays.  An impressive mask of aboriginal from the Oceana.  Pottery statues from the Africa at the exhibition.  An object of Australian aboriginal at the exhibition.  One of the antiques dated back to the Han Dynasty of China in the collection.  A unique mask from the collection.  A woven mask of aboriginal from the Oceana.  Delicate objects in the collection.  Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets), a traditional stage art from Malaysia and Indonesia. |
Professor Le Thanh Khoi was born in 1923 in Hanoi. In the middle of the 20th century, he left Vietnam to work as a lecturer at the Paris Descartes (paris V) University in Paris. The professor was also a consultant of UNESCO and other organisations so he travelled to many countries around the world where he collected valuable and artistic objects. In 2010, Professor Le Thanh Khoi and his wife Tham Thi Hong Anh donated their collection of ancient objects to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
By Viet Cuong
