The 'new look' of Tan Dinh Market

In recent days, the facade of Tan Dinh Market (Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) has become a new visual highlight in the city center as a series of old windows in front of the market have been covered with vibrant murals. The familiar space of the century-old market has thus become lively, attracting many locals and tourists to stop and admire and take photos.

Built in 1926 and inaugurated a year later, Tan Dinh Market, designed by the French company SIDEC, bears the distinctive architectural hallmarks of old Saigon. Covering an area of approximately 3,000 square meters, the market currently houses around 400 stalls, selling a diverse range of goods and maintaining its vibrant atmosphere for decades.

The old, time-worn walls have been "awakened" with a series of paintings depicting urban life, the culture of old Saigon - Gia Dinh, and the characteristic trading atmosphere of the long-standing market. The project, titled "Tan Dinh Market - Urban Heritage," stretches approximately 45 meters along the market's facade, creating a new look for a space already familiar to generations of city dwellers.

The project was undertaken to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Saigon - Gia Dinh officially being renamed Ho Chi Minh City, and also to mark the first anniversary of the establishment of the newly merged Tan Dinh ward. The series of murals is arranged chronologically, depicting the formation of the market, the changes in the rhythm of trade, and cultural aspects intertwined with the lives of Saigonese people over many decades.

The old, faded walls are now covered with images reminiscent of old Saigon - Gia Dinh: motorized rickshaws weaving through narrow streets, street vendors on sidewalks, glimpses of ao dai dresses amidst crowds, and scenes of buying and selling that were once a familiar part of city life for decades.

According to Tri Thức - Znews' report on the evening of May 14th, the artists have completed the "renovation" of 12 doors belonging to the project. The project is now entering its final stages before official handover.

Many small business owners expressed their delight at the new look of the market that they have been familiar with for many years. “My family has been selling fabric across from the market for almost 30 years. Now that we see the space decorated more brightly and colorfully, everyone is excited. Closing the shop at night also feels much less old-fashioned and gloomy than before,” shared Tung Lam, a business owner in the area.

In recent days, the area around the market entrance has attracted many locals and tourists who stop to admire and take photos with the new murals that have appeared on the windows of the Tan Dinh market's facade.

Colorful murals not only liven up the space but also create an eye-catching focal point for passersby.

Besides beautifying the urban landscape, the series of murals is also expected to contribute to preserving the cultural and historical values of one of Ho Chi Minh City's oldest markets amidst modern life.