(VOVworld) – 380 artifacts and documents were on display at the Army Museum in Paris, featuring the 100-year presence of the French in Indochina. This was the first time the Army Museum has hosted such exhibition. Entitled “Indochina - People and Territories 1856-1956”, the event reflected historical and educational values and the openness of the French people to look back at history. 

Vietnamese costumes go on display. (Photo: VOV)

A number of rare items were a sword of King Gia Long, a drawer of King Tu Duc which was presented to General Warnet who then donated it to the museum, a drum that was played by the royal navy band at the Hue royal court, and several hand-drawn maps. The exhibition drew a large number of French visitors.

Flags and swords are featured at the exhibition. (Photo: VOV)

Dominique Fortunais, a French politician, said: "I am very interested in political and colonial matters. I’ve conducted much research, done a lot of analysis, and delivered lectures, but there remain many issues to study. I and my family went back to Vietnam and visited several historical sites like the Dien Bien Phu battlefield. I consider historical research of great importance. Vietnam has a huge potential with its 90 million citizens, while France has a developed industry. I think both sides can make use of each other’s strengths for mutual benefit."

Director of the Army Museum Christian Baptiste said that the exhibition brings an objective view to a “sensitive” period of French history.

A documentary film introduces soldiers of the League for the Independence of Vietnam (Việt Minh). (Photo: VOV)

The exhibition, which also screened 70 documentary films, was part of activities to celebrate the 2013–2014 Vietnam-France Cross-Exchange Year. The activities help the two peoples to better understand their past and encourage joint efforts to exploit their strategic partnership.