Revealing the past: Researcher Tran Dinh Son introduces antiques at his museum to visitors during the opening ceremony. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

THUA THIEN-HUE (VNS)— Researcher Tran Dinh Son opened his private museum in Hue to the public yesterday, revealing a vast collection of rare antiques he and his ancestors collected.

The collection includes flower drums, vases, pipes, lime-pots, bowls, dishes, wine vessels and teapots. They were made over several dynasties, from the Ly (1009-1225) and Mac (1527-92) dynasties to the more recent Nguyen era (1802-1945). Materials range from wood and ceramic to silver and bronze.

The museum is set up on land owned by Son's family. An old ruong house (garden house with many beams and pillars) serves as the main museum space, while another area will house seminars.

Although he lives in HCM City, Son feels a strong connection to his ancestral hometown and hopes the exhibit can help people understand the city's past.

"I worked hard to take back the house owned by my great-grandfather to display these items, so that the young generations and researchers can make use of them," Son said.

Son's great-grandfather was a high-ranking mandarin during the Nguyen Dynasty. After the family moved out in 1968, the house was first used by local authorities and then rented to other owners.

The museum's construction started in October. — VNS