VietNamNet Bridge – More than 300 rare and precious photos and documents featuring the architecture of Sai Gon (now HCM City) from 1698 to 1945 are being exhibited on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in HCM City’s District 1.

An image of Sài Gòn Central Post Office, which was built between 1886 and 1891. Photo courtesy of the organisers

The exhibition “Dấu ấn kiến trúc Pháp ở Sài Gòn – Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh” (Mark of French Architecture in Sài Gòn – HCM City) is organised  by the National Archives of Việt Nam under the Ministry of Home Affairs, HCM City People’s Committee, and Consulate General of France in HCM City.

The event, which opened on Sunday, is part of the celebrations of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of the Viet Nam – France strategic partnership. It aims to welcome the official visit of French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe to Viet Nam from November 2-4.

The exhibits include maps, administrative documents, and royal technical documents on the formation of Gia Dinh (now HCM City) when Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh established territorial sovereignty in the south in 1698.

Photos of typical French architectural constructions built during the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century are on display, including images of iconic buildings like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

All of the documents and images are from the National Archives of Viet Nam, the French Archives and the Consulate General of France in HCM City.

The exhibition, which is open to the public, ends on November 24. 

An image of Sài Gòn Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built between 1863 and 1880. Photo courtesy of the organisers An administrative document relating to the Gia Dinh citadel issued in 1802. Photo courtesy of the organisers

Source: VNS