VietNamNet Bridge - With 40,000 samples including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, fossils, plants ... and some new species of Vietnam, the Vietnam National Museum of Nature has introduced the history of life over 3.6 billion years.

Founded in 2006 by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the Vietnam National Museum of Nature (Building A20, No. 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi) displays specimens to describe the origin and history of life on earth; from life that first appeared on the planet about 3.6 billion years ago to the present.

It hosts more than 2,000 geologic and paleobiological models with 800 fossils aged 175-203 million years. In addition, there are more than 6,000 models of animals, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, and sea creatures. Its most valued specimens include a moon fish and a tiger collected from the central province of Nghe An and from Quang Binh.

The museum also uses part of the area to exhibit types of insects, such as butterflies, dragon flies, cicadas and mantises. Moreover, viewers can see specimens of plants and mushrooms, including those used in the health sector such as cordyceps fungus and reishi mushroom (ganoderma lucidum).

The museum is open from 8.30am to 11.30am and from 1pm to 5 pm on every day except Monday and the Tet holiday.

Entrance is free. There are four 3D film shows titled Ocean Wonderland and Planet Dinosaur, exhibited free of charge in the morning and in the afternoon. Groups of more than 15 people are invited to telephone (04) 37917445 to book 3D film seats, and for a tour guide around the museum. Details can be found at: www.vnmn.ac.vn

The government has just approved a project to build the new Vietnam National Museum of Nature which will be capable of conducting studies on natural science and support its branches to do research and collect and preserve natural specimens.  

The museum aims to preserve the natural values of Vietnam and world nature and raise public awareness about environmental protection.

The museum will cover over 32 hectares in either the Quoc Oai biological area in Hanoi’s Quoc Oai district or the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Dong Mo, Son Tay town, Hanoi.

The museum will have both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.

Total investment for the project has yet to be determined, but will be based on the cost of component projects and will be funded by the State budget and other sources.

Here are some typical specimens at the museum:

Photo: Infonet