Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh Collection

Arrival in Saigon of Paul Beau, Governor General of Indochina, 1902. Beaus term as Governor-General of French Indochina lasted from 1902 until 1907

Costumes de Theatre, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Costumes de Theatre, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866

Pagode de la Ville Chinoise, 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Pagode de la Ville Chinoise, 1866

Vue de l Etablissement des Messageries Imperiales, 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Vue de l Etablissement des Messageries Imperiales, 1866

Musiciens Annamites, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Musiciens Annamites, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866

Matas (Miliciens indigenes), 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Matas (Miliciens indigenes), 1866

Bonzes de la Pagoda Chinoise (Cholen), Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866

Femme Annamite, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Femme Annamite, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866

Vue de Saigon (Feuille No. 1), 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Vue de Saigon (Feuille No. 1), 1866

Vue de Saigon (Feuille No. 3), 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Vue de Saigon (Feuille No. 3), 1866

Vue de la Ville Chinoise (Cholen) Feuille No. 6, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866

Ceremonie religieuse dans la Pagode Chinoise de Cholen, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866

Vue de Saigon (Feuille No. 2), 1866. Creator: Emile Gsell
Vue de Saigon (Feuille No. 2), 1866

The silver chariot of the Chettiars, Saigon, Vietnam, 1912. The Chettiars are a Hindu people of Tamil origin. A significant community used to live in Vietnam before the Vietnam War

Market, Cholon, Saigon, Vietnam, 20th century(?)
Market, Cholon, Saigon, Vietnam. Cholon is the Chinese district of Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City as it is now known as

Boats on the Chinese Arroyo, near Saigon, Vietnam, 1895. From The Universal Geography with Illustrations and Maps, division XV, written by Elisee Reclus and published by Virtue & Co

Saigon harbour, French Indochina (Vietnam), 20th century

Street Scene, Saigon, 1900

Visitors to Port Doumen, Saigon, Vietnam, 1900

River Boats, Saigon, 1900

Helicopter landing at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon, Vietnam, 1953

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"Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh" Step back in time to 1902, when Paul Beau, Governor General of Indochina, arrived in Saigon. This historic moment marked a significant chapter in the city's development. But let's rewind even further to 1866, where we find ourselves immersed in the vibrant world captured by Emile Gsell. His photographs showcase various aspects of life in Saigon during that era. Intriguingly, Gsell's lens takes us to a theater scene adorned with exquisite costumes. The yearning for artistic expression was evident even then. Moving on, we glimpse at the Pagode de la Ville Chinoise - an architectural gem that stood as a testament to the cultural diversity within Saigon. Its intricate details were awe-inspiring. As we explore further through Gsell's lens, another image transports us to the Etablissement des Messageries Imperiales - a bustling hub of communication and transportation that connected this thriving city with other parts of Indochina. The soundscape comes alive as we encounter Musiciens Annamites playing traditional melodies unique to Cochinchine. Their music resonates through time and space. Gsell also captures Matas (Miliciens indigenes), showcasing indigenous soldiers who played an essential role in maintaining peace and order during those times. Our journey continues into Bonzes de la Pagoda Chinoise (Cholen). These spiritual leaders held great influence over their community and contributed significantly to its religious fabric. Amidst all these captivating scenes, Gsell introduces us to Femme Annamite - a woman from Saigon whose grace and elegance are beautifully portrayed through his lens. Her presence adds depth and authenticity to our exploration of this remarkable city's past. Finally, Gsell treats us with breathtaking views of Saigon itself - its streets filled with life; its architecture blending colonial and local influences.