The Northern Government, now the Government Guest House (12 Ngo Quyen, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District) was built in 1918 in the Old French architectural style.
This work is located in a complex that was built as the Northern Governor's Palace of the French colonialists before 1945, managing the area from Ninh Binh to Lang Son.
The Northern Palace, together with the Governor's Office (now the headquarters of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs), the Hanoi Metropole Hotel and the Chavassieux Flower Garden (now the Dien Hong Garden), form a valuable complex in terms of architecture, history, culture and landscape of Hanoi.
The roof of the lobby is similar to the roof system of the Metropolitan Paris metro station in the early 20th century, and some of the decorative details are inspired by Asian culture.
When the Japanese coup d'état against France in 1945, the building was renamed Phu Kham Sai Bac Ky. After the success of the August Revolution, this complex was called the Northern Palace. In particular, the former Governor's Palace building was renamed the Presidential Palace, becoming the workplace of President Ho Chi Minh.
The Northern Province has three floors. The basement is used as a warehouse and service rooms. The first floor includes large and small living rooms, reception rooms, waiting rooms, study rooms, dining rooms and entertainment areas. The second floor is the large meeting room of the Beijing council and the ceremony rooms are fully equipped.
Currently, the Government Guest House is still the venue for many important events, serving the external reception activities of the Party, the State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to the value of historical and cultural relics, this place also attracts tourists when coming to Hanoi.
For the first time, the spaces inside the building are open to the public and visitors.
Visitors can only visit part of the first floor and the campus area behind the building.
The back of the building is architecturally similar to the main façade, but the decorative motifs are more simplified.
The campus is spacious and airy, with a fountain in the center creating a prominent highlight, providing a lively and relaxing atmosphere.
Bullet marks on the iron fence and the main gate mark the 1946 battle between the National Guard company and the French colonialists, which is a testament to the fierce battles here.
The Northern Phu will be open until the end of November 17 to welcome tourists to visit and learn about architectural works associated with Hanoi's history.
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