This is a large-scale renovation aimed at renewing the exhibition space, improving conservation standards, and promoting the value of documentary photo collections donated to the Museum by international war correspondents.

Opening ceremony of the renovated thematic exhibitions at the War Remnants Museum. (Photo: My Tien)

Authentic perspectives from the battlefield

The three thematic exhibitions feature works by renowned war correspondents: Tim Page (UK), Horst Faas (Germany), Nakamura Goro and Ishikawa Bunyo (Japan). Through different lenses, the works vividly portray the losses and suffering caused by war, as well as Viet Nam’s journey of recovery in peacetime.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lam Ngo Hoang Anh, Deputy Director in charge of the Museum, said that although the correspondents came from different nationalities and backgrounds, they shared a common purpose: using their cameras to reflect the truth and human suffering.

Visitors listen to an introduction to the “Requiem” thematic exhibition. (Photo: War Remnants Museum)

The “Requiem” exhibition presents works by more than 130 international and Vietnamese journalists and correspondents who were killed or went missing on the Indochina battlefield. The collection was donated by the people of Kentucky, United States, to the people of Viet Nam.

The “Agent Orange in the War in Viet Nam” exhibition features works by Japanese photographer Nakamura Goro, documenting the effects of Agent Orange/dioxin on people and the environment. Images of devastated forests and the lives of victims across generations illustrate the long-term consequences of war.

The “Viet Nam: War and Peace” exhibition features more than 100 works by Japanese photographer Ishikawa Bunyo. Images of the war in northern and southern Viet Nam are displayed alongside works documenting the changes in Viet Nam after 1975.

A reminder for the present

A highlight of the ceremony was a congratulatory video message from photographer Nakamura Goro to the Museum on the occasion of the International Day of Peace on September 21 and the renovation of its exhibition space.

Photographer Nakamura Goro delivers his message in a congratulatory video. (Photo: My Tien)

In his message, he congratulated the Museum on entering a new chapter and emphasized the role of photography in documenting and conveying historical truths to present and future generations.

Nakamura Goro referred to valuable collections and works such as “Requiem,” works by the late photographer Ishikawa Bunyo, as well as the materials he himself produced on Agent Orange/dioxin in Viet Nam.

According to him, the photographs are not only records of the past but also reminders for the present. He expressed concern about ongoing conflicts around the world, the risks posed by nuclear weapons, and new challenges as artificial intelligence is increasingly applied in the military field.

Drawing on his experience as a photographer who spent many years documenting the consequences of war in Viet Nam, Nakamura Goro called on humanity to learn from the past, stand together, and work towards lasting peace.

A guide introduces a work by war photographer Robert Capa, who covered the “Bitter Rice” campaign in Thái Bình in May 1954 before being killed after stepping on a landmine. (Photo: My Tien)

Alongside the content renovation, the exhibition format has also been renewed to combine scientific standards, authenticity, conservation requirements and aesthetic value. The new space draws inspiration from darkrooms and camera lenses, incorporating subdued lighting. The photographic materials have been processed and printed on materials that meet conservation requirements.

The Museum has also introduced interactive screens and an experiential area titled “Try being a war correspondent,” giving visitors, particularly young people, greater opportunities to learn about the work of war correspondents and the historical stories behind each photograph.

Le Tu Cam (second from right), a former political prisoner of Con Dao, presents the War Remnants Museum with an embroidered portrait of President Ho Chi Minh. (Photo: My Tien)

As part of the programme, the War Remnants Museum also held a ceremony to receive two wartime memorabilia donated by Le Tu Cam, a former political prisoner of Con Dao. They include an embroidered portrait of President Ho Chi Minh made by Pham Van Con, a former political prisoner of Con Dao, and a notebook documenting his experiences during his years in captivity. These memorabilia add first-hand historical materials on the struggles of previous generations while helping preserve for posterity stories of war, sacrifice and human resilience.

Remembering Onaka Shinichi - A Great Friend of Viet Nam-Japan Peace and Friendship On September 4, 2026, Former Vice President of the Hiroshima Prefecture Japan -Viet Nam Friendship Association, Former Secretary-General of the Hiroshima City Anti-Atomic Bomb Committee Onaka Shinichi passed away. His passing leaves behind immeasurable sorrow for his family, friends, and colleagues in the peace and international friendship movement, as well as many Vietnamese people who had met, worked with, and received his sincere affection.

The Bell of Peace Rings Out from the War Remnants Museum On September 20, a programme in response to the United Nations International Day of Peace (September 21) was held at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of representatives from peace and friendship organisations and more than 50 international guests from the Villa Vie Odyssey community and the Global Flagship of Peace initiative. In a space preserving memories of war, the bell of peace rang out alongside a message of dialogue, understanding and a shared commitment to the future.