Nguyen Van Hao Building

Amidst the vibrant life of modern Saigon, the Nguyen Van Hao Building stands as a silent witness, recounting the tale of a talented entrepreneur and the city's golden era. Situated at a prime location intersecting four bustling streets: Tran Hung Dao, Ky Con, Yersin, and Le Thi Hong Gam, this building is not only an architectural symbol but also holds golden memories of a vibrant period in the city's history.

Special Location and Role

Located in the center of District 1, the Nguyen Van Hao Building stands out with its strategic position, not far from familiar landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market and 23/9 Park. The building silently records the development from an ancient Saigon to one of the most modern cities in Vietnam. It is tied to the life of one of the most renowned and visionary entrepreneurs in Saigon's history – Mr. Nguyen Van Hao.

Portrait of Nguyen Van Hao

Mr. Nguyen Van Hao (1890–1971) was a brilliant entrepreneur, born in Tra Vinh into a farming family. As the third child of his father's third wife in a large family, he grew up amidst the fields with no thought of leaving his hometown. His life took a new direction when his half-brother, Mr. Nguyen Van Kieu – the owner of an auto parts shop in Saigon, recognized his intelligence and agility and brought him to help with the business. Thanks to his sharpness, Mr. Hao quickly mastered the techniques and learned business secrets.

In 1929, after years of accumulating experience and capital, he opened an auto parts shop at 21-23 Galliéni Street (now Tran Hung Dao). Besides selling auto parts, he ventured into the petroleum sector. Mr. Hao also represented Michelin (France) – a popular and thriving tire brand in Saigon at that time. He treated all customers equally, regardless of their wealth, which contributed to his rapid rise to become one of the richest and most influential businessmen in the South at that time.

Apart from his economic success, Mr. Hao is remembered for his benevolence. He built the Nguyen Van Hao Theater (later renamed Cong Nhan Theater), known as the "sanctuary" of cai luong art. He also built Ong Hao Temple (or Hao Tam Tu) in Tra Vinh for the community.

Construction of Nguyen Van Hao Building

In 1933, Mr. Nguyen Van Hao bought a nearly 800 m² plot of land at a "diamond" location with four facades in District 1. The building was constructed in the Art Deco architectural style – a popular trend in the 1930s-1950s, reflecting a combination of classical and modern, luxurious and minimalist. Completed in 1937, the building stands out with its design resembling a ship, with the bow facing Tran Hung Dao Street. This architecture not only represents uniqueness but also symbolizes Mr. Hao’s strong will to rise – a pioneer in many business fields at that time.

Unique Architecture

Nguyen Van Hao Building is a perfect example of Art Deco style with:
1. Bold, minimalist shapes: The building features clean lines and simple geometric shapes, exuding elegance and modernity.
2. Large glass panels: Allowing natural light and creating a spacious feel.
3. Facade inscribed with "NG.V.HAO": This personal mark of Mr. Hao shows his pride and responsibility toward this building.
4. Interior details: Initially, the interior was adorned with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and winding wooden staircases. The rooftop was once used by Mr. Hao for bird watching – a unique hobby of his. Additionally, an elevator was installed to facilitate access to the rooftop, showcasing the building's luxury and modernity at the time.

Fascinating Historical Stories

The building was not only Mr. Hao's residence but also played a significant role in Saigon’s economic and cultural life. He was one of the wealthiest Vietnamese merchants in Saigon from the French colonial period until the 1975s. However, after 1975, his descendants faced extreme difficulties due to changing times. Currently, the lower part of the villa is managed and leased by the state, while the upper floor remains under the ownership of Mr. Hao’s descendants. An interesting detail is that the elevator in the building was dismantled in 1966 when Mr. Hao retired to his hometown, as his descendants deemed it unnecessary to keep.

Cultural and Historical Value

Nguyen Van Hao Building is not just an architectural structure but holds deep historical significance. It symbolizes the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and strategic vision of Mr. Nguyen Van Hao. It also reflects the East-West cultural exchange during the colonial period. The building has been intertwined with the lives of many generations of Saigonese, from the golden days of cai luong at Nguyen Van Hao Theater to the present, becoming an indelible part of the city's memory.

Conclusion

Dear guests, Nguyen Van Hao Building is more than just a building. It is a living history page, telling the story of a talented, determined, and community-dedicated individual. Visiting here, you will not only appreciate the architectural beauty but also relive the memories of a nostalgic era of Saigon. Let every step at Nguyen Van Hao Building be a journey back in time, where stories are not just heard but felt.
Thank you for listening! 😊

Experience when coming to Nguyen Van Hao Building You can:

1. Walk around the building to admire the unique Art Deco architecture.
2. Take photos at the bow corner - one of the most special features of the building.
3. Explore nearby locations: Ben Thanh Market, September 23 Park, or Workers' Theater to learn more about Mr. Nguyen Van Hao's role in developing Cai Luong culture.