French photographer Rehahn last week opened a Precious Heritage Gallery Museum in the UNESCO-recognized ancient town of Hoi An in the central coast province of Quang Nam.

The museum is the culmination of five years of his continued exploration of Vietnam’s rich and vast cultural heritage.

Rehahn told the Daily that the museum would serve as the voice and mirror of the country he has come to love and now call home. “I have found meaning to my life here and for this I am grateful. This gallery museum is my thank-you to the Vietnamese people and I dedicate it to you, Vietnam.”

Explaining his decision to open the museum, the photographer said he not only takes photographs of the people of Vietnam, but also shares their diversity with local and foreign audiences.

Visitors can retrace his steps and discover the mysteries and magic that Vietnam has to offer. According to Rehahn, the more he discovers about Vietnam, the more he realizes that this country has riches beyond imagination. By traveling by motorbike, Rehahn has managed to learn about traditions of some of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam and share stories about his explorations.

The 54 ethnic groups add to the already colorful and exotic richness of Vietnam so this gallery museum aims to recognize, preserve and celebrate Vietnam’s entire unique blend of cultures and share it with the world.

Admission to the 250-square-meters museum is free. Spectators can discover over 200 photographs of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and 30 of the 54 ethnic groups’ unique traditional costumes. Jewelry items and artifacts unique to each group are also on display.

The Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum is located at 26 Phan Boi Chau Street in Hoi An. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Rehahn published his first photo book about Vietnam in 2014, called Mosaic of Contrasts, followed by “Vietnam, Mosaic of Contrasts Volume II” in late 2015. Last March, his photograph ‘Hidden Smile’ featuring Madame Xong, a boat rower in the Hoai River in Hoi An, found its new permanent home at the Women’s Museum in Hanoi on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8).

SGT