If you are planning a trip to Hanoi for the September 2nd holiday, don’t miss this special opportunity: museums and theaters are opening their doors to visitors for free.
Visiting Hanoi for the September 2nd holiday – An unmissable experience
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone: the 80th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025). To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has organized various activities to evoke pride in the nation’s glorious historical traditions, while also inspiring the people to step into a new era of prosperity and civilization.
Accordingly, for this special event, renowned museums and art venues will open to visitors free of charge from September 1 to September 3. A trip to Hanoi during this holiday offers the chance to explore Vietnam’s rich history and culture and experience fascinating exhibitions. Moreover, you can combine sightseeing with a relaxing, convenient getaway right within the city.
Free attractions in Hanoi for the September 2nd holiday
Ho Chi Minh Museum
The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi showcases numerous precious artifacts and documents regarding the life of President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the cultural and revolutionary legacy he left behind. This site promises to offer you a truly special experience. …and unforgettable experiences during your upcoming trip to Hanoi.
The museum boasts impressive, angular architecture. It incorporates lotus flower symbolism and a predominantly white color scheme, representing the simple yet noble life of President Ho Chi Minh. The museum spans three floors. The first floor displays the President’s biography organized by various themes. The second floor recreates the great victories achieved by the Vietnamese military and people under President Ho Chi Minh’s leadership. The third floor exhibits world historical events that influenced the President’s revolutionary activities and the Vietnamese revolution.
Notably, for the September 2nd holiday, the museum will host the following special exhibitions:
“80 Years of the People’s Public Security Force Upholding President Ho’s Teachings” (Scheduled to open on August 15).
“Autumn of Independence” – commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day (Scheduled to open on August 26).
“Spring of Independence” oil painting exhibition in the museum’s outdoor space (Scheduled to open on September 2).
📍 Address:
19 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: Morning 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Afternoon 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Monday and Friday: Closed.
National Museum of History
The National Museum of History showcases Vietnam’s history from prehistoric times to the present day through a vast collection of documents, artifacts, and images. Many of these artifacts are designated as National Treasures. The museum features unique architecture. It features a harmonious blend of French and Asian architectural styles; consequently, it serves not only as a repository for precious artifacts but also as an architectural landmark of significant artistic value.
The National Museum of History comprises two exhibition sites: No. 1 Trang Tien Street (Hanoi), which displays Vietnam’s history from prehistoric times through the end of the Nguyen Dynasty (1945); and No. 216 Tran Quang Khai Street (Hanoi), which covers the nation’s history from the mid-20th century to the present day. Often described as a “living book” of the nation’s history, the museum attracts a large number of domestic and international visitors.
In celebration of the September 2nd National Day holiday, the museum plans to launch a special exhibition titled “Mass Education Campaign – Lighting Up the Future” on August 22nd.
📍 Addresses:
No. 1 Trang Tien, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi.
No. 216 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM.
The exhibition sites are open every day of the week except Mondays.
If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the museum remains open to visitors.
Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
The Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi preserves a treasure trove of artistic and cultural heritage belonging to Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities. The building features classical European architecture blended with Asian elements. Inside, visitors can admire nearly 20,000 artworks—ranging from paintings, sculptures, and ceramics to recognized national treasures. The space encompasses a wide spectrum of art, ranging from ancient and folk art to traditional and modern applied arts. It serves not only as a destination for art enthusiasts but also as a venue that narrates the story of Vietnamese culture and history through every line and color.
Notably, to mark the September 2nd holiday, the museum will host the following exhibitions:
“Children of the Fatherland” (scheduled to open on August 15).
“Artificial Intelligence in Applied Arts” (scheduled to open on August 22).
