With 2,000 documents and artifacts on display, the Con Dao Museum offers visitors a profound understanding of the nature and people of Con Dao, from its prehistoric and early historical eras to its current stage of development. Visitors can also explore the history of struggle within the Con Dao prison system during the period when it was dubbed "hell on earth".
The Con Dao Museum was built on an area of over 3,500m2, with an exhibition space covering 1,700m2.
Visitors tour and learn about the revolutionary struggle tradition of Vietnam in Con Dao.
The National Flag: secretly sewn and hidden by comrades within the prison in preparation for the uprising to liberate Con Dao.
The Con Dao Museum began construction on December 6, 2009, and was completed on October 10, 2010. It is located on Nguyen Hue Street, near the French Tiger Cages historical site, occupying a campus of over 2ha, with a built area of 3,570m2 and an exhibition area of 1,700m2. The museum structure was built to preserve the enduring cultural and historical heritage of the Vietnamese nation, contributing to the sustainable development of Con Dao Special Zone.
At the Con Dao Museum, visitors can view images and artifacts detailing the savage crimes committed by the French colonialists, the American imperialists, and their collaborators. Through these exhibits, visitors can also grasp the hardships and heroic courage of the patriotic revolutionary soldiers and prisoners who were incarcerated there during the two periods of resistance for national liberation.
The National Flag: secretly sewn and hidden by comrades within the prison in preparation for the uprising to liberate Con Dao.
Portraits of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers incarcerated and imprisoned in Con Dao.
Books and documents preserved by comrades in the prison for study.
A corner of the exhibition space inside the Con Dao prison area.
A simulation of the methods used for communication between prison cells.
Artifacts used by the people of Con Dao (a "cricket fan," a "rooster iron," and hand fans).
The museum's exhibition space is quite simple yet incredibly impressive. It includes one ceremonial hall and four main themes: Con Dao Nature, Con Dao Battlefield, School, Con Dao: Hell on Earth, and Con Dao Today. Within each theme, artifacts are displayed in a distinct style, evoking deep emotions in viewers. The portraits of the resilient, indomitable heroes who fought throughout those years are surely a beautiful, unforgettable symbol in the memory of every person who visits here.
Additionally, the museum features an outdoor exhibition area. This open space is designed to display several valuable artifacts. Here, you can admire collections of archaeological artifacts found in Con Dao, such as the Jar Burial Site at Con Hai Den, the Jar Burial Site at Con Mieu Ba, or the excavation pit of the ancient Hon Cau Village.
The Con Dao Museum in Vung Tau is more than just a place to display artifacts; it vividly illustrates the intense patriotism of the Vietnamese people. From ancient times to the present day, Vietnam remains grateful for the sacrifices of its heroes and constantly promotes that tradition of patriotism.
Green Sea Turtle (Vich) specimen.
Display of specimens from the Con Dao National Park ecosystem.
The diverse and rich marine ecosystem of the Con Dao sea area is recreated inside the Museum.
The symbol of the peaceful sky recreated inside the Con Dao Museum.
The Con Dao Museum is a "red address" (a revolutionary historical site) tied to the preservation, restoration, and promotion of the value of this special national revolutionary relic site. It is an indispensable destination for any history or heritage tour to Con Dao./.
By Thong Hai, Le Minh/VNP