Stage 1 of the Worldwide Arms Museum, Vung Tau, opens December 2011
Next Month, Stage 1 of the Worldwide Arms Museum in Vung Tau will be opened by the British Consul General. Next year, the completed Museum will be officially opened by Vietnam’s Prime Minister.
The private museum, owned by Englishman, Robert Taylor and his wife, Nguyen Thi Bong, has been architecturally designed like an ancient fort and showcases 1,200 guns, 1,000 swords, other military equipment and 500 mannequins wearing military uniforms from Asia and European countries in previous centuries.
Glenn Nolan inside the Worldwide Arms Museum.
According to Glenn Nolan (owner of Tommy’s Sports Bar and member of the Swannies national committee) who conducts battlefield tours from Vung Tau, the top three exhibits are:
- Suits of armour that date back to 1450
- A rifle dated 1694; and
- A uniform that was actually worn in the 1815, Battle of Waterloo.
The space inside the museum is designed to recall the world’s most famous wars. The lobby is decorated with a wall sculpture featuring the Battle of Hennersdorf in 1745 in Poland. Other well-known battles led by kings and generals, such as Napoleon Bonaparte in 18th century, have also been painted on the museum’s ceiling.
Robert began his collection at age 18. His museum, apart from the military and police, is the only organisation legally able to bring guns into Vietnam.
Robert addresses the guests at his birthday celebration last Saturday, on the rooftop of the Worldwide Arms Museum - looked on by a red coat!
Last Saturday, Robert celebrated his birthday on the rooftop of his museum where Tommy’s will open a restaurant. Robert explained to the guests who included Swannies, Glenn Nolan, Roachie, the Vernons and National President, Phil Johns, that being a collector had been a great passion of his throughout his life. The establishment of the museum had been a six year process and the collection would remain in Vietnam forever as none of the exhibits could be onsold.
The views from the rooftop of the museum, which is built into the side of the mountain above the ferry terminal, are spectacular.
Robert also rescues various primates including gibbons which can also be viewed in huge cages, adjacent to the rooftop of the museum.
The establishment of the world class, Worldwide Arms Museum, is set to become a major tourist attraction for Vung Tau. In terms of the Vietnam Swans’ annual ANZAC Friendship Match, the entire weekend has just become significantly more special.
The Worldwide Arts Museum is located at 14 Hai Dung, Ward 2, Vung Tau City.
To see more photos, click onto the Vietnam Swans Web Album.
