Preserving History: The Century-Old Bac Lieu Governor's Palace Faces Severe Degradation

The Bac Lieu Governor's Palace, an architectural landmark with over a century of history, is currently standing in a state of neglect. Known locally as 'Tòa bố' or 'Ancient House No. 29,' this structure is located at 29 Tran Phu Street, Ward 3, in the heart of Bac Lieu City. Built during the French colonial period, the palace is one of the most prominent examples of Western-style administrative architecture in the province. Beyond its aesthetic value, the site holds immense historical significance as the location where the people of Bac Lieu seized power during the August Revolution on August 23, 1945.

In 2013, the Bac Lieu Provincial People's Committee officially ranked the palace as a provincial-level artistic and architectural relic. Despite this designation, the thousands of square meters of the estate have become increasingly desolate. Years of abandonment without proper management or maintenance have left the main building and its surrounding gardens in a state of ruin. Peeling walls, moldy interiors, and crumbling infrastructure characterize the current state of the rooms, which were once symbols of colonial authority and later, revolutionary triumph.

Residents of Bac Lieu expressed their sadness at seeing such a beautiful and centrally located piece of history fall into disrepair. While the core structure of the house remains remarkably sturdy after more than 100 years, the aesthetic and functional elements are failing. The grounds are currently overgrown with weeds and have unfortunately become a site for illegal littering, creating an eyesore directly opposite the Bac Lieu City People's Committee building. The contrast between its historic importance and its current condition is a stark reminder of the challenges facing heritage preservation in rapidly developing urban areas.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope for Ancient House No. 29. The Bac Lieu City government has announced plans to renovate and restore the site to serve as a 'red address' for revolutionary education and a destination for tourism. The proposed project aims to maintain the original architectural integrity while refreshing the exterior and repairing damaged interior sections. Plans include landscaping the gardens with new flower beds and walking paths, replacing the current fencing, and installing a modern lighting system. By breathing new life into the Governor's Palace, the province hopes to honor its past while creating a vibrant cultural space for future generations and international visitors.

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