Lao National Museum
The Lao National Museum is located in Vientiane, Laos. It was founded as the national museum highlighting the revolution of the 1970's and is located in a French colonial building. In 2007, the United States donated a grant to help develop the museum[1]. This museum, which was originally built in 1925 as the French governor’s residence, presents the history of Laos, highlighting the Laotian people’s struggle to free the country from foreign occupiers and imperialist forces. It is located on Samsenthai road, opposite the Cultural Hall.
Lao National Museum
The Royal Palace (official name "Haw Kham") in Luang Prabang, Laos was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. The site for the palace was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly below the palace and be received there. After the death of King Sisavang Vong, the crown Prince Savang Vatthana and his family were the last to occupy the grounds. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown by the communists and the Royal Family were taken to re-education camps. The palace was then converted into a national museum.
Lao National Cultural Hall
The Lao National Cultural Hall is found just across the Lao National Museum. This four story building was constructed with aid from the People's Republic of China and was opened in March of 2000. However, since the Lao National Cultural Hall has no budget of its own, it is simply a venue for sponsored art groups by foreign embassies or a venue for foreign artists. It also hosts conferences of the Ministry of Information and Culture as well as other government offices. There is an art exhibition in the complex which changes from time to time as well as an auditorium which can accommodate up to 1,500 people and two conference rooms.
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre just opened last year, and is a wonderful and much-needed museum about the ethnic groups of Laos. Very high quality, well-designed exhibits with big photos, clear information, and beautiful things like tribal costumes, baskets, textiles, carvings, etc. on display. It's not a huge place, but well worth the admission price, and they have exhibits on several different ethnic groups like the Hmong. In the back is a cute little handicraft shop and a very chilled out cafe wtih books and magazines. This is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the cultures of Laos, especially if you're going on a hilltribe trek or village visit. It helps to put a lot of the things you see around Laos into context.
Their entrance fee is 20,000k as of Feb 2008 and they're near the Dala market.
