The Việt Nam Women's Museum was inaugurated on 20 October 1995, the 65th anniversary of the Việt Nam Women's Association (Hội Liên hiệp Phụ nữ Việt Nam), in recognition of  the great contributions and sacrifices of Vietnamese women to national defence and construction. It was extensively renovated in 2001. The museum includes four major display areas which introduce the ‘Vietnamese Mother’ in the national community, Vietnamese women in national defence and construction, the foundation and development of the Việt Nam Women's Union, and the beautiful costumes worn by women from many ethnic groups. The collection reflects the cultural lifestyle and sensitive aesthetic soul of women throughout time, highlighting their traditions and the role of Vietnamese women in history. Since its inception the activities of the Việt Nam Women's Union have been closely linked to national revolutionary tasks in general and to women in particular, as well as to helping the Vietnamese women's movement integrate into the world women's movement. The photos and items on display vividly illustrate the Association’s role in bringing women fully into play and affirming their role in society. Shortly after opening, hundreds of delegations from abroad and throughout the country visited the museum as a manifestation of warm feelings and respect for the Vietnamese women who have marked a worthy profile for many centuries in the Vietnamese history of building and defending the country.