Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum — Attraction in Hội An

I spent 5 and a half hours here yesterday. I am of Vietnamese descent but also have ties to one of the ethnic groups. Interestingly, I had heard about this project created by Réhahn, the photographer and curator of the museum before, yet was so fortunate during my stay to have been recommended to go.

What was truly fascinating from a Vietnamese perspective is that we get the chance to glimpse into the lives and culture of these dispersed tribes, particularly in the third room, which screens some of the visits Réhahn has with these respective peoples.

The beauty and heritage of these groups are amazing in their diversity. There are some similarities but many differences.

Réhahn has done a remarkable service and job to the preservation of these people and it is even more special because he is not native. It’s an homage to the people and the love really shows in his effort.

Thank you for making this accessible and even more so, that it is free, as I can imagine local Vietnamese people may not enter if there was a fee. For the most part, there were mainly tourists that I saw entering throughout the day but the plaques are presented in English, Vietnamese and French, so can be read by locals too.

What was also wonderful was hearing the songs and sounds of these tribes as you walk through. There were two songs of young girls, one with her mother (Vietnamese and ethnic dialect) and another alone (ethnic dialect). I still can hear it in my head now, and feel the joyful expression. One sings of loving her mother, it’s lovely.

I felt so moved by the curation I also teared up, it helped me feel closer to a piece of history I don’t know so well about my family heritage.

From the perspective of a fashion designer designer or creative in general, it makes for such a rich subject, including the remarkable works on display by the photographer.

It is possible to buy postcards, things from the gift shop, including collated works in the form of books.

If you stay as long as I did, do pop across the road to one of the cafes to refuel before another viewing!

Cold drinks are available in the museum from the screening room.

You must go to see this! I’m truly inspired and I will need to return again to watch more...

My favorite activity during all of my 10 day stay in Hoi An was by far coming to this gem of a place, which I was so lucky to stumble upon. If you’re at all interested in the various ethnic groups and their villages throughout Vietnam this is a place that will provide rich clarity of their history, evolution and customs in an extraordinary way. Everything is presented through the eyes of a curious French photographer that stumbled upon some of the ethnic groups years ago during his early motorbike travels in Northern VN. He befriended some of the groups early on and ultimately reached out and met every single ethnic group in VN, some who are so remote and removed they rarely see anyone outside their tribe. He took pictures, learned the unique characteristics and customs for each group and in many cases had been gifted clothing that are now on display there. There is an incredible film that plays on loop that runs maybe 45 mins but some people seem to hang out there and continue loop after loop - like me :) because it’s just that interesting. He has books and prints of his photos for sale there. The photos are stunning and iconic. If you’re been fortunate enough to do the Ha Giang Loop, this museum is a must see. It’ll probably help to answer so many questions. And even if you haven’t, it’s so worthwhile, so rich. I believe it’s free to enter ( but please double check before you go!)...

A wave of emotion washes over me as I wander through the halls of the Precious Heritage Art Gallery. Witnessing Réhahn's dedication and love poured into projects celebrating Vietnam's diverse ethnic communities fills me with immense gratitude. The gallery unfolds like a captivating narrative, beginning with a vibrant display of photo books and postcards in the first space.

Moving into the gallery's heart, I immerse myself in the fascinating world of documentaries. Through these films, Réhahn unveils the intricate process of his remarkable work in remote regions of Vietnam.

Ascending the stairs, I am greeted by an alluring display of traditional costumes. Among them lie priceless treasures – the last surviving originals, crafted with techniques now lost to time. Each garment whispers tales of a rich cultural heritage, preserved with meticulous care.

Even the smallest details speak volumes of the gallery's dedication. The wooden frames surrounding portraits of ethnic representatives are meticulously laser-engraved with typical patterns reflecting their unique heritage.

The Precious Heritage Art Gallery is more than an exhibition, it is a journey of discovery, a must-visit place for any traveller seeking a deeper understanding of this...