Glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City’s architectural evolution: 11 key landmarks

Glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City’s architectural evolution: 11 key landmarks

Eleven iconic architectural works have been nominated as part of the 50 most outstanding art pieces of Ho Chi Minh City, including new and modern landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s House and the Ho Chi Minh City Student Culture House.

The Ho Chi Minh City Children’s House in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

The municipal Department of Culture and Sports in late February launched a campaign to select 50 iconic works in nine fields, including literature, music, cinema, dance, film, photography, fine arts, architecture, and literature and arts of ethnic minorities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day on April 30 (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).

The activity aims to recognize the contributions of these works to the development of Vietnam’s cultural and artistic heritage over the past five decades, while encouraging continued creativity in the arts.

In the field of architecture, the nominations highlight significant constructions that have witnessed the historical changes and rapid development of Ho Chi Minh City.

Many of these architectural marvels have attracted both local and international visitors.

Among these landmarks are the Hung King Memorial Temple, the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple in Cu Chi District, the Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) Building, the Voice of Ho Chi Minh City (VOH) Building, the Ho Chi Minh City State Treasury Building, the Ho Chi Minh City Children's House, the Ho Chi Minh City Student Culture House, and the Hoa Binh Theater.

Other notable architectural nominations include the Nguyen Van To Middle School in District 10, the District 10 administrative center, and Artex Saigon Building in District 1.

Each of them holds great cultural and historical value.

Architects behind the city’s most celebrated landmarks

Among the influential architects contributing to the southern metropolis’ architectural legacy is Nguyen Truong Luu, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Literature and Arts Associations.

His four nominated structures are the Hung King Memorial Temple, the Ho Chi Minh City Television Building, the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City State Treasury, and the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s House complex.

Located in the Ho Chi Minh City National Historical Cultural Park, which covers 400 hectares of land in Thu Duc City, the Hung King Memorial Temple, whose construction was completed in 2009, comprises a square, bamboo paths, a temple, and an observatory.

The 4,000-square-meter square was modeled after the iconic Dong Son bronze drum and features nine six-meter stone columns that symbolize the 18 generations of the Hung Kings.

The design is not only an artistic tribute to Vietnam’s history, but also incorporates environmentally sustainable solutions, ensuring energy efficiency while remaining in harmony with its natural surroundings.

This masterpiece earned the architect several prestigious awards, including the State Award and the National Architecture Award.

Another of architect Luu’s standout designs, the State Treasury Building, blends modernity with the traditional architecture.

Also, the Ho Chi Minh City Television Building is an architectural icon that captures the city’s progress and transformation over the years.

The building received the second prize at the National Architecture Award.

The Ho Chi Minh City Children’s House complex earned the silver prize at the National Architecture Award in 2018, along with multiple other accolades, including the Ho Chi Minh City Literature and Art Award and the Ho Chi Minh City Creative Award.

Highlights of cultural spaces

The Hoa Binh Theater in District 10 stands as a significant cultural venue in the city.

With a capacity of over 2,000 seats, the theater accommodates large-scale artistic performances and cultural events.

Established in 2002, the Student Culture House launched its District 3 headquarters in 2006 before relocating to a newly built facility at Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City in 2019.

Designed by architect Nguyen Trung Kien, the building blends traditional elements with a modern urban aesthetic, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Vietnam’s youth.

It serves as both an academic hub and a venue for student events, earning the silver Ho Chi Minh City Architecture Award.

Tuoi Tre News