The Mysterious Architecture Inside the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court Headquarters

The Mysterious Architecture Inside the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court Headquarters

The timeless charm of a 130-year-old landmark.

A National Heritage Building Undergoing Major Restoration

The headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court, recognized as a national heritage site in 2012, is soon set to undergo a comprehensive restoration project. Despite its age, the interior architecture still holds many fascinating mysteries.

A 130-Year-Old Building Still in Use

Located at a prominent four-street intersection—Nguyen Trung Truc, Nguyen Du, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and Ly Tu Trong—the building faces the Saigon River and occupies a spacious plot of land. Designed and built by two French architects over five years (1881–1885), this courthouse reflects French colonial design combined with purposeful utility.

Originally constructed in an H-shape, the building consists of two floors and a basement. Each floor has a ceiling height of 5.2 meters, designed to maximise natural ventilation by capturing breezes from the surrounding open space and channelling them through corridors into the working areas, thus minimising reliance on artificial cooling.

Most of the construction materials were imported from France. The bricks, fired to an exceptionally high standard, remain remarkably solid after 130 years. Interestingly, instead of modern cement, the binding material used to construct the walls was a mix of lime, molasses, and other natural ingredients—forming a highly durable adhesive compound.

Architecture Reflecting Authority and Justice

As a place of law and justice, the courthouse was built to reflect solemnity and respect. From the design of the courtrooms to the statues placed along the corridors, every detail contributes to an atmosphere of dignity.

In the main lobby on the ground floor, two large statues are placed at the base of the staircase leading to the second floor: the statue of the Goddess of Justice on the right, and the Goddess of Solidarity on the left. On the upper floor, four statues were originally installed, though one from the left wing is now missing for unknown reasons.

In addition to these statues, the walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs and decorative motifs—depicting everything from plants to scenes of people gathered together. However, the meanings and origins of these sculptures remain largely speculative, as no official documentation has been found to explain them.

Changes Over the Decades

The building's original H-shaped design was intended to take advantage of cross-ventilation from all four directions. However, in the 1960s, amid social changes and an increasing caseload, the government of the former regime expanded the premises by constructing a new wing on Nguyen Trung Truc Street. This addition maintained the French architectural style and was seamlessly integrated with the original structure.

In the 2000s, further expansions included corrugated iron buildings, tiled-roof structures for courtroom overflow, and a cafeteria for visitors.

Restoration Plans and Preservation Efforts

Over the centuries, exposure to natural elements and human activity has caused serious deterioration: peeling ceilings, leaking roofs, moss-covered walls, and damaged floor tiles. Recognising the urgent need for preservation, court authorities proposed a restoration project in 2002. Approval was granted in 2006 after extensive surveys and assessments by representatives from the Department of Construction, the Heritage Preservation Center, and the Cultural Heritage Department.

Multiple rounds of review and revision were required before final approval by the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and relevant governing bodies.

Despite various proposals to modernise the site—including gardens and fountains—the final decision mandated a faithful restoration of the original structure. Pine and flamboyant trees in the courtyard were removed to allow airflow back into the building. Later additions, such as metal and tile-roofed structures and the cafeteria, will be demolished.

The restoration process will be meticulous, aiming to preserve as many original elements as possible. Bricks, stair railings, and wood panels will only be replaced if preservation proves impossible. Electrical wiring, piping, and other equipment will be reorganised to reduce clutter and maintain historical integrity.

Budget and Timeline

The restoration is projected to cost VND 320 billion (approximately USD 14 million) and will be carried out over two years using a rolling approach, allowing court operations to continue throughout the renovation. Preparatory work is nearly complete, pending final tender results, with construction expected to begin by the end of this year.