Natural History Exhibition Room at Vietnam Center for Conservation of Natural Resources and Rescue of Fauna and Flora (CCRR) Phong Dien, Hue

The overall design of the exhibition room is based on the concept of combining organisms and nature according to the evolutionary narrative of life from the formation of the universe to the present, creating a continuous storyline from the entrance to the exit. Along the center of the exhibition space are display shelves that simulate an animal skeletal system. On both walls, specimens arranged by theme are displayed along gently curved surfaces resembling waves cascading into one another, creating rhythms and the captivating dynamics of the natural world. Recessed niches generate layered lighting effects within each alcove, reducing direct light exposure for visitors. The exhibition space is designed based on the structure of a dolphin skeleton, which carries both scientific significance and high aesthetic value. The specimens are arranged into two main sections: the history of life (including geological samples and fossils) and present-day life (featuring common terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna).

Visiting the Natural History Exhibition Room at CCRR Phong Dien, Hue on its Opening Day, held in celebration of major national events: the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025), the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (May 20, 1975 – May 20, 2025)

The Natural History Exhibition Room features engaging display areas of high scientific value, including the history of life on Earth, minerals, insect specimens, plants, animals, large reptiles, birds, marine organisms, and anthropology. The exhibition includes many rare specimens that have not been displayed in any museum in Vietnam, such as a fossilized rhinoceros skull, the largest saltwater crocodile skull in Vietnam, and a fossilized mastodon skeleton. In addition, numerous other valuable and rare specimens are showcased. In the Paleozoic exhibition area, a highlight is a large and well-preserved colony of tetracorals, displayed alongside crinoid fossils from the Ban Pap Formation dating to the Devonian period, discovered for the first time in Phu Yen, Son La. A giant crocodile fossil from the Paleogene period, unearthed at the Na Duong coal mine in Lang Son, is also exhibited. Viewers can further observe fossilized turtles and mammalian fossils, which demonstrate the diversity of mammals during this era. Another highlight of the Quaternary exhibition space is a fairly complete fossilized skeleton of a woolly mammoth—consisting of femur, vertebrae, caudal bones, ribs, teeth, and tusks—discovered in the North Sea. The woolly mammoth, an iconic symbol of the Ice Age with its thick fur and robust endurance, evokes a vivid impression of an ancient glacial epoch.

The exhibition space on anthropology and the evolutionary history of humankind was developed by scientists based on fossilized human skulls. These specimens were reproduced using 3D printing technology by researchers of the Vietnam Museum of Nature. This is a modern approach widely adopted by museums around the world and holds significant value in educating students about human evolution. Accompanying this space are collections of archaeological artifacts from Vietnam’s prehistoric periods. A reconstructed model illustrates the daily life of ancient humans in the volcanic caves of Krong No, Dak Nong. Scientists from the Vietnam Museum of Nature and the Institute of Archaeology have discovered evidence of habitation, stone tools, workshop remains, and burial sites in cave C6.1. Notably, the discovery of “prehistoric human remains in the volcanic caves of Krong No, Dak Nong,” dated to approximately 5,000–7,000 years ago, was made within this longest volcanic cave system in Southeast Asia. The exhibition model not only helps visitors visualize the activities of early ancestors but also highlights the scientific, cultural, and heritage value of the Krong No volcanic cave system—a national geological heritage site that played a decisive role in UNESCO’s recognition of the Dak Nong Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark on July 7, 2020.

The Natural History Exhibition Room features a scientific and dynamic display design that meets high standards, making it an important venue for educational and training activities. It serves as an ideal place for students and university learners to explore and study Vietnam’s biodiversity and natural history, thereby contributing to raising awareness about nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable environmental stewardship. The exhibition room promises to be an engaging and attractive destination, enriching the tourism offerings of Hue City. It also provides a suitable foundation for implementing STEM (Science – Technology – Engineering – Mathematics) education programs associated with nature conservation, helping students develop investigative abilities, research skills, and creative thinking.

Some images from the Natural History Exhibition Area:

Application of lighting techniques, display cabinets, and spatial design for the exhibition of the history of life

Application of lighting techniques, display cabinets, and spatial design for the exhibition of the history of life

Use of lighting techniques and spatial design for the marine life exhibition area

Use of lighting techniques and spatial design for the mineral exhibition area

Concept development and implementation of mural paintings to bring vibrancy to the exhibition space

Design and printing of a Woolly Mammoth mural using AI technology, allowing visitors to visualize the specimen more vividly based on the Woolly Mammoth fossil set on display

Design of a model illustrating human evolution, adapted from simplified versions commonly used in reference books as well as museums around the world

Design and printing of murals using graphic methods, combined with 3D printing of human fossil skulls to serve the anthropology exhibition area. Through this space, visitors—especially students—can learn directly about human evolution via the 3D-printed skull fossils produced by the authors’ team