The Visitor Experience - Hanoi

One week definitely wasn't long enough in Hanoi. Sampling unique local food, the sounds, smells (good and not so good) and shopping! It was a completely immersive experience from start to end, and for a self-confessed experience seeker/explorer, Hanoi offers unlimited entertainment. There is also a wide variety of museums that cater to different audiences, some doing simple things to create a more audience focused museum, and trying to bring Vietnamese museums into social life.

The Hanoi Museum of Fine Arts faces some intricate challenges that they are slowly working through to improve their museum. Their aim is to diversify their collection, train museum staff and move towards the 'new museology', thinking specifically about audiences and how to cater to them. In order to achieve this, the museum needs to make some obvious  
changes. Unfortunately walking through the main entrance was not a welcoming experience. With no obvious signs to guide us or any welcoming museum staff, the initial first impression is a negative one. However the gallery opens itself to many different types of audiences, and despite the lack of contextualisation of artworks the layout of the space is interesting. There were a few tour groups around, but it was also enjoyable just wandering the different gallery spaces freely. 

The gallery shop (although tucked away and not so obvious as a museum shop) was also a really positive part of the experience, as each piece of art sold in the space is done by local artists, you can purchase unique miniature paintings showcasing the skill of local Hanoi painters. 

The Women’s Museum in Hanoi is a completely different visitor experience. Even from a distance anyone can tell it’s a museum, with large posters and banners lining the street, and a colourful relatively modern building which echoes of the architectural style of the guggenhiem (a nice difference from the traditional french colonial buildings many Vietnamese museums are occupying). The main staircase leading up to the building is open and welcoming. The entrance is lined with beautiful images of local women, a very empowering feeling. It’s definitely a museum you want to take a photo next to. 

This feeling set the scene for the rest of the visit and it did not disappoint. The gift shop and information desk, toilets and lockers are also in the museum entrance, facilities all great for visitor comfort.  The main courtyard also had a recharge area in the form of a quiet cafe for visitors to relax after their visit. Wayfinding is not an issue in this museum as the staircase leads to one level at a time, each level intended to be viewed seperately, although it's easy to skip a level or head to the top and make your way down instead, still getting the full effect of the space. Similarly to the Fine Arts Museum, the gift shop also sells local wares, only selling items made by women in mountainous minority groups, supporting and promoting traditional trades, also creating a strong connection with those communities.

Both museums were great, although The Women’s Museum was definitely a more positive experience. It’s amazing how a museum entrance can influence an initial response, and set the scene for the rest of the visit.