The story of the "madman" who built an antique museum in Ninh Binh.

VHO - In a small house in the heart of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Ninh Binh province), there is a "madman" who has spent his time, effort, and money for decades collecting thousands of ancient artifacts with the wish to build a museum and preserve them for future generations.

A small corner of Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong's antique collection.

The "madman" and his love for antiques.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the digital age, where people relentlessly chase after new and glamorous values, there are still enchanting moments of tranquility in Ninh Binh. In the Vang Ngoc residential area, Tay Hoa Lu ward (Ninh Binh province), the house of Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong (55 years old) stands like a museum of memories, where time seems to stand still on every stone and glaze.

Our first impression upon entering Mr. Cuong's living space was one of extraordinary tranquility. The space was filled not only with the sounds of birdsong and babbling water, but also with the presence of thousands of ancient artifacts. These objects, from stone mortars and pestles to rustic statues and ancient pottery fragments, were thoughtfully arranged within his garden, creating a wonderful blend of nature and heritage.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong shared: “My love for antiques wasn't a sudden impulse. It began when I was a young boy, fascinated by the heirlooms left behind by my ancestors. But it wasn't until 2000, when life was no longer so burdensome with the struggle for survival, that I truly embarked on a professional collecting journey. That journey has lasted more than 20 years now, a long enough period for a passionate individual to become a dedicated, albeit amateur, researcher.”

The "madman" Nguyen Manh Cuong owns more than 3,000 artifacts, including ancient objects from the 3rd century and countless artifacts from the Dinh, Le, Ly, and Tran dynasties.

Inside the space, we were truly overwhelmed by the richness of the artifacts. From crude stone axes of the 3rd century to exquisite Dong Son bronze objects. From ceramics of the Dinh, Le, Ly, and Tran dynasties to wooden and bronze artifacts from later centuries. All were meticulously arranged, classified, and numbered according to historical periods, leaving viewers in awe.

“Whenever I hear about an antique, I immediately set off to find it. Sometimes I'd be gone for a whole month, to the point that many family members and neighbors thought I was crazy. But the greatest blessing is having a wife by my side who always understands, encourages, and supports me through difficult times in life so that I can both develop my business and live with my passion for antiques,” Mr. Cuong further shared.

The ceramic set dates from the 13th-15th centuries.

The mission of the "fire keeper"

Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong said: "To acquire such a vast collection as I have today, I have made countless trips back and forth across the country. He said that the profession of collecting antiques requires a certain 'luck' but also demands boundless perseverance and patience. There was an item in Son La that I pursued for 15 years, making dozens of trips just to persuade the owner to part with it because its true value doesn't lie in the money, but in the fact that it deserves to be placed in a place that appreciates its historical value."

One of the distinctive aspects of Mr. Cuong's collecting philosophy is his appreciation for local values. As a native of Ninh Binh – a land of rich history and outstanding people spanning a thousand years – he particularly prioritizes collecting artifacts associated with the ancient capital. He sees this as a way to show gratitude to his roots and to preserve vivid evidence of a glorious period when the feudal dynasties established their capital in Hoa Lu.

This ancient wooden painting from Son La was collected by Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong after dozens of trips over 15 years.

Initially, he only had a few small artifacts, but over more than 20 years, Mr. Cuong has amassed a vast collection of approximately 3,000 antiques made from various materials such as stone, wood, and ceramics. Many of these artifacts date back 1,000 to 2,000 years. Notably, more than 700 of these artifacts have been examined and evaluated by experts and scientists for their historical and cultural value.

For Mr. Cuong, antiques are a shared heritage, and he is ready to welcome fellow enthusiasts, locals, tourists, and especially the younger generation, in order to spread his love of heritage to the community.

Mr. Cuong not only keeps his artifacts for himself but is also willing to share his knowledge, opening his doors to those with the same passion as researchers who come to visit. For him, antiques are a shared heritage, and spreading the love of heritage to the community, especially the younger generation, is the best way to ensure that the flame of heritage never dies out.

In the flow of contemporary life, "madmen" like Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong are crucial links in preventing the fragmentation of heritage. His dedication and tireless efforts go beyond simply possessing a material treasure; more importantly, they are focused on preserving the soul of national culture.

Each old item, which might be considered junk by others, is transformed by Mr. Cuong's careful handling and understanding into sparkling relics worthy of its cultural and historical value.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/chuyen-ga-dien-xay-bao-tang-co-vat-o-ninh-binh-231873.html