On June 29, the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City hosted a ceremony to announce the Prime Minister’s decision recognizing the Dong Son ceramic steamer from the private collection of Pham Gia Chi Bao as a National Treasure.

The event also marked the opening of the thematic exhibition “National Treasures - Masterpieces of Heritage in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Former National Assembly Chair Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan attended the ceremony.

This is the first time 17 National Treasures from public museums and private collectors in Ho Chi Minh City have been displayed together, forming a comprehensive portrait of Vietnamese history and culture from prehistoric times to the modern era.

Among the artifacts displayed are:

The Dong Son ceramic steamer (2,500–2,000 years old), privately owned and recognized as a National Treasure in 2024.
The Dong Duong Buddha statue (Champa culture, 8th–9th century), National Treasure since 2012.
The Devi goddess statue (Champa culture, 10th century), National Treasure since 2012.
The Avalokitesvara statue from Hoai Nhon (Champa culture, 8th–9th century) and from Dai Huu (10th century), National Treasures since 2013.

Additional National Treasures from the Oc Eo culture include:

Vishnu (2nd–5th century), Surya (6th–7th century), Durga (7th–8th century), Avalokitesvara (8th–9th century), Sa Dec Buddha (4th century), Binh Hoa Buddha (4th–6th century), Loi My Buddha (4th–6th century), and Son Tho Buddha (6th–7th century), all held at the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum.

The imperial seal “Luong Tai Hau chi an” (1833) and a printing mold for a 5-dong “Tin Phieu” banknote (1947), held at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, were recognized in 2020 and 2018, respectively.

The lacquer painting “Spring Garden of North-Central-South” by Nguyen Gia Tri (1969–1989) and “Youth of the Copper Wall” by Nguyen Sang (1967–1978), both housed at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, recognized in 2013 and 2017.

The exhibition, running from June 29 to August 10 at the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, is a significant cultural event that bridges past, present, and future. It aims to deepen public appreciation for national heritage and promote the protection and celebration of Vietnamese cultural values.

As of 2025, Vietnam has recognized 327 artifacts and artifact sets as National Treasures. Of these, 17 are currently housed in institutions and collections in Ho Chi Minh City.