Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The building used to be the museum of the Far East Research Institute under French colonial rule ( cole fran aise d'Extr me-Orient EFEO). Today, it is a museum showcasing Vietnam's history with very large displays covering every period. It is housed in a colonial French building which was completed in 1932. The building, designed by the architect Ernest H brard, is considered a successful blend of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture, called Indochina architecture. Hebrard created double walls and balconies for a natural ventilation system and protection from sunshine.